Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Igor Khovaev affirmed on January 4 that Russia is willing to supply modern weapons to the Philippines and hopes to become its close friend.
The Russian anti-submarine destroyer “Admiral Tributs”.(Photo: GettyImages)
Hanoi (VNA)♎ – Russian Ambassador tothe Philippines Igor Khovaev affirmed on January 4 that Russia is willing tosupply modern weapons to the Philippines and hopes to become its close friend.
Speaking to reporters on the Russiananti-submarine destroyer “Admiral Tributs”, which is docked in Manila for avisit, Khovaev said that Russia is ready to become a new reliable partner andclose friend of the Philippines as well as supply small arms and light weapons,some airplanes, helicopters, submarines and many other weapons to this country. He said that Russia has a lot to offer buteverything will be done in full compliance with international law. Besides, Khovaev noted that it is too earlyto speak of the scope of the bilateral defence cooperation, assuring thatlong-term allies of the Philippines should not worry about the cooperation. He also said that “necessary efforts” areunderway towards an agreement that may pave way for activities like jointdrills between Russia and the Philippines, along with transfer of technologyfor manufacturing weapons and firearms. According to Khovaev, Russia hopes that the agreementwill be finalised soon, but it takes time as military cooperation needs mutualtrust and a solid legal basis.-VNA
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