(Photo courtesy: Philippine Ambassador to Russia Carlos Sorreta Facebook page)
MANILA – Strategic sealift vessel BRP Tarlac (LD-601) officially docked at Vladistok, Russia at around 11 a.m. (Manila time) Monday.
This was confirmed by Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson, Commander Jonathan Zata, in a message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
"She arrived around 11 a.m. (Manila time) today (at the Russia Pacific Fleet Naval Base in Vladivostok)," he said.
BRP Tarlac's arrival in Vladivostok marks the first time that a PN commissioned vessel is able to visit Russia, Zata added.
"This is made possible through the Commander-in-Chief's efforts to modernizing your Navy as well as the support from all stakeholders in seeing a stronger and more credible maritime organization," he said.
BRP Tarlac's first ever port visit to Russia will be conducted from Oct. 1 to 6. She left Manila South Harbor last Sept. 21.
The PN contingent, led by Captain Florante Gagua, will conduct a series of confidence building activities with the Russian Navy to further enhance relationship and cooperation.
These include a visit to Russian Navy facilities and sports and cultural interaction.
Sea exercises will likewise be undertaken after the conclusion of the port visit. (PNA)
