Russia is open to all options, including long-term supply of military hardware (File Photo)
Manila:
Russia's ambassador says his country is not discussing a military alliance but partnership and friendship with the Philippines, with Moscow interested in supplying arms, weapons and transferring technology to the United States' long-standing ally.
Ambassador Igor Khovaev said Tuesday that the two countries' economic and trade commission will start work soon to identify specific areas of cooperation.
He said Russia is open to all options, including long-term supply of military hardware "without political conditionality" like adherence to human rights. He was apparently alluding to the US Congress' conditions for military assistance.
Since becoming the Philippines' president in June, Rodrigo Duterte has had an uneasy relationship with the US. He's declared intentions to bolster relations with China and Russia as he revamps Philippine foreign policy that has long leaned on Washington.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Ambassador Igor Khovaev said Tuesday that the two countries' economic and trade commission will start work soon to identify specific areas of cooperation.
He said Russia is open to all options, including long-term supply of military hardware "without political conditionality" like adherence to human rights. He was apparently alluding to the US Congress' conditions for military assistance.
Since becoming the Philippines' president in June, Rodrigo Duterte has had an uneasy relationship with the US. He's declared intentions to bolster relations with China and Russia as he revamps Philippine foreign policy that has long leaned on Washington.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world
