Russia, PH now crafting legal frameworks for military-technical cooperation

From Update.Ph (Nov 24): Russia, PH now crafting legal frameworks for military-technical cooperation

Philippine Ambassador to Russia Carlos D. Sorreta has discussed with Moscow Bureau Chief of the Wall Street Journal Nathan Hodge and Wall Street Journal reporter Thomas Grove the future direction of Philippine-Russia relations November 10.

Ambassador Sorreta got into the decision of the Philippine Government to intensify relations with Russia, including possibly in the area of military-technical cooperation, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

 

Ambassador Sorreta mentioned that in terms of defense products Russia has almost everything other traditional partners can offer without political conditionalities and other strings attached. Moreover, it provides technology transfer and is flexible on the issue of financing.

While no decision has been made yet on the purchase of Russian weapons, the two sides are laying the foundation for robust military-technical cooperation through exchange of visits and crafting of legal frameworks.

Ambassador Sorreta also noted that President Duterte has declared his intention to pursue an independent foreign policy. “In an interdependent and interconnected world, this could mean less dependence on a single nation and more engagement with the rest of the world,” he said.

President Duterte is expected to visit Russia next month.

 http://www.update.ph/2016/11/russia-ph-now-crafting-legal-frameworks-for-military-technical-cooperation/11337