Russia, Philippines to negotiate on defense cooperation agreement

From Update.Ph (Nov 28): Russia, Philippines to negotiate on defense cooperation agreement

The Russian government has accepted the proposal of its Defense and Foreign Affairs ministries to negotiate a defense cooperation agreement between Russian Ministry of Defense and Philippines Department of National Defense.

“To accept the proposal of the Russian Ministry of Defense, together with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to negotiate an agreement between the Russian Ministry of Defense and the Department of National Defense of the Philippines on defense co-operation,” reads in a document in Russian government’s website, as quoted by Russian news outlet RT.

President Rodrigo Duterte upon his arrival from APEC Leaders’ Meeting in Peru said that Russian President Vladimir Putin offered to sell the Philippines arms. “Putin said you can have, buy one and take one, almost like that. He said if you cannot buy arms anywhere, go to me,” Duterte said.

According to RT’s report, President Duterte will be sending foreign and defense secretaries to Russia prior to his official visit this coming December.

Moreover, Philippine Ambassador to Russia Carlos D. Sorreta, in an interview with Wall Street Journal, said no decision has been made yet on the purchase of Russian weapons but the two sides are laying the foundation for robust military-technical cooperation through exchange of visits and crafting of legal frameworks.

http://www.update.ph/2016/11/russia-philippines-to-negotiate-on-defense-cooperation-agreement/11424