PCG Officer-in-Charge, Commodore Joel S Garcia PCG today welcomed Russian Ambassador Igor Anatolyevich Khovaev in the PCG headquarters this morning.

Commodore Garcia briefed  the Russian Ambassador on the current thrust and developments in the PCG including engagement in the West Philippine Sea.

COMMO GARCIA said that possible coordination meeting with Russian Coast Guard, similar to what was forged with the China Coast Guard may be held in the near future.

He said that possible areas of cooperation include port visits, law enforcement trainings, marine environmental protection advocacies and search and rescue cooperation.

The meeting also tackled possible acquisition of small arms for the PCG law enforcement teams.

Ambassador Khovaev thanked the PCG for the warm welcome. He said that his government is closely monitoring the East Asia developments and will work together with ASEAN countries in pursuing a safe and secure marine environment. 

Meantime, US Ambassador Sung Kim will visit PCG headquarters tomorrow at 9 AM.