Lorenzana in Moscow to discuss areas of PH-Russia defense cooperation

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana is now in Moscow, Russia to discuss possible areas of cooperation with his Russian counterpart Sergey Shoygu. (File photo: Department of National Defense – Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA — Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana is now in Moscow, Russia to discuss possible areas of cooperation with his Russian counterpart Sergey Shoygu.

This was disclosed by DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong late Monday when asked about Lorenzana’s visit to Russia.

“The SND (Secretary of National Defense) is in Moscow upon the invitation of Russian Defense Minister and General of the Army Sergey Shoygu. He is reciprocating the visit which the latter recently paid him in the Philippines,” he said in a message to the Philippine News Agency.

Lorenzana left for Russia on Aug. 16 and is expected to be back in the country on Friday.

There, the two defense chiefs will discuss possible areas of cooperation between the DND and the Russian Defense Ministry.

“They will discuss possible areas in which cooperation between the defense establishments of the Philippines and Russia may be developed and deepened,” Andolong added.

In a separate message, Lorenzana said he is in Russia to look into some of the defense equipment the latter is offering.

“To look at some defense equipment they are offering: like submarines, helicopters,” the DND chief said when asked on the purpose of his visit to Moscow.

In October last year, Lorenzana and Shoygu signed an Agreement for Military-Technical Cooperation between the two countries.

The document contained provisions on various areas of military and technical cooperation such as research, production support, as well as possible exchange of experts and training of personnel for joint programs.