MEETING AT THE EMBASSY OF THE PHILIPPINES IN RUSSIA 19.05.2005

     President of Interregional Combat Arnis Federation (ICAF) Mikhail K. Ivanov was received by His Excellency Ambassador of the Philippines to the Russian Federation Mr. Ernesto V. Llamas.

     During the meeting in the Embassy, which First Vice Consul Mr. Roderico C. Atienza and the Embassy's Assistant on Culture and Tourism Mrs. Ekaterina Baklanova also participated in, the great contribution by the ICAF into development and promotion of the Philippine martial arts and the Philippine culture was acknowledged. ICAF has got an official proposal to take part in the activities dedicated to the celebration of the 30th Anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries, which will be held in the year 2006.

     The Embassy has promised to render assistance in the ICAF's presentation to the organizations engaged in the promotion of Arnis in the Philippines, as well as in the further development of the Philippine martial arts in the territory of Russia.

     H.E. Mr. Ernesto V. Llamas showed much interest in the information about the ICAF's work on introduction of the Philippine martial arts into the training of the special forces of the Security Services of the Russian Federation.

     In his turn, ICAF President Mikhail K. Ivanov expressed his gratitude to H.E. Ambassador of the Philippines in Russia Mr. Ernesto V. Llamas for the constant attention and support of the Federation's work. Mikhail K. Ivanov presented H.E. Ernesto Llamas with a Letter and Certificate of Acknowledgement of the help of the Embassy and personally Mr. Ernesto V. Llamas in developing and promoting the Philippine martial arts in the territory of Russia.