The Philippines may soon make and export Russian-type weapons if a proposal from Moscow urges, said Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Igor Khovaev. "We have a very good proposal for you Filipinos. We are ready to arrange joint production of sophisticated Russian light weapons and small arms in the Philippines," Khovaev told reporters at a briefing at his residence at his residence in Makati City.
"You Filipinos will produce Russian weapons and weapons ... They will be Filipino products based on Russian technology," he added.
Khovaev said Russia wanted to build "long-term strategic cooperation with the Philippines," and that President Rodrigo Duterte's visit to Moscow and Sochi in early October was "full of milestones and landmarks" in a new partnership between the two countries.
One of the main areas of cooperation that the two countries want to improve is defense and security.
"We are ready to supply our advanced technology to help your country develop your own defense industry," the envoy said.
Khovaev said the two governments had begun "bilateral negotiations" regarding a plan that would also involve private partners, and that he hoped it would happen "as soon as possible."
"The Philippines will become an exporter of advanced light weapons and small arms," the envoy added.
Khovaev confirmed that the Philippines and Russia were "actively working" on the acquisition of several Russian Mi-171 helicopters for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Although it is still too early to discuss the delivery schedule and the right amount, the diplomat said he was convinced the outcome of the negotiations "would be positive," and that Russia was "ready to supply as much as you wanted" - that is, as much as the Philippine Government could afford.
The Philippines "has the right" to own submarines because it is an island nation, and Russia is "ready to supply" submarines at "very competitive prices," Khovaev added.
Apart from hardware acquisitions, Russia is also working to increase military-to-military exchanges with the Philippines, the envoy said.
Russia is willing to offer military education by welcoming Filipino cadets to train in its military institutions, and is ready to hold military exercises together with AFP.
"All options are on the table," Khovaev said, adding that his country's offer of cooperation came without "political conditions."
Source : Rappler.News
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