After four decades, Russia has assigned a defense attaché to the Philippines in the person of Col. Dmitry Nikitin.
He was introduced on Tuesday by Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Igo Khovaev to Philippine military officials and the media, who described the event as “quite symbolic and very meaningful.”
According to the Office of the Global Media Affairs of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), Col. Nikitin was welcomed during the reception of the opening of the Russian Military Attaché’s Office.
Defense Undersecretary Raymundo DV Elefante said with this development, he is optimistic that there will be stronger military ties between the Philippines and Russia.
“It will be a very long journey but I think with this relationship and cooperation, I think we will go to have a very good opportunity in terms of cooperation and friendship,” he said.
Ambassador Khovaev said these enhanced defense ties are more relevant as terrorism remains a common threat faced by both Russia and the Philippines.
In May last year, Col. Dennis Pastor was assigned as the Philippines’ first Defense Attaché in Moscow.
