Russia reiterates willingness to help upgrade and modernize the AFP

Russia has time and again assured the Philippines if the latter would to do so can help in the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Days ahead of the second visit of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to Russia, the Russian government through its Ambassador to the Philippines Igor Khovaev told reporters his country has reiterated its commitment to help the Philippines strengthen its defense capabilities.

"Our country is committed to helping the Philippines increase defense capabilities," Ambassador Igor Khovaev said during a press conference at his residence in Makati City.

President Duterte and Russian President Putin in their first meeting in Moscow in 2017
(photo credit to owner)

"We are open to many options, we are ready to supply sophisticated arms and weapons to help the country in staff training, (on) joint drills and exercises we are ready to coordinate our efforts, and of course we want to transfer our best technologies in all of the developing countries," he said.

The first state visit by President Duterte last May 2017 was cut short when the brewing trouble in Marawi was at its boiling point, which led to the declaration of martial law in Mindanao a few days after President Duterte arrived from Russia.

Relations between the two countries has improved a lot since the presidency of Duterte which has for a foreign policy a true “independent foreign policy”.

Both President Duterte and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet in Sochi and it is expected to sign a lot of agreements between the two countries.

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Report from PNA