Russian envoy assures no hidden agenda behind donation to PH

                         Russia’s Ambassador to the Philippines assured that there is no hidden agenda behind its donation of military equipment to the country.

                   on Saturday.

   “Please don’t worry. We Russians have no hidden agenda. If we extend our help to you, we are doing that with sincere wishes. We have no hidden agenda and no political conditionalities,” said Ambassador Igor Khovaev during a media briefing aboard Russian warship “Admiral Panteleyev”

                        Russian Navy Pacific Fleet consisting of two antisubmarine ships —the “Admiral Panteleyev” and “Admiral Vinogradov,” as well as sea tanker “Boris Butoma,” docked at the Manila South Harbor on October 20 for a goodwill visit in the Philippines. The vessels will stay at the Philippine waters up to October 26. The Russian naval crew is set to hand over weaponry and vehicles to the Philippines as part of its donation.

                         “Just to illustrate my point of view, we are also ready to discuss the possibility of transfer of Russian military technologies to your country to help build your own defense industry,” he added.

                         Khovaev also lauded the success of the government fight against terroristst in Marawi City. “I would like to take this opportunity also to congratulate all of you on the liberation of the City of Marawi in Mindanao. We are together with you,” he said.

                        The envoy however said “this fight will take a lot of efforts.”

                        “According to our own experience of fighting terrorism, we fully understand that such struggle requires not only military needs. Of course, it is absolutely indispensable but it is not enough to eradicate terrorism,” he said.

                         Khovaev said fields in social, economic, cultural, ideological, educational, and many other measures is absolutely required. “So we know that for sure, on the basis of our own experience, that’s why I’m saying again, we are ready to discuss with our Philippine partners any options regarding this field,” he said.

                        He also welcomed the idea of holding joint military exercises between the two countries.

                       “I think that mutual exercises — drills — as the next step of our bilateral cooperation is very possible. Why.not? All over, it is very desirable,” he said.

                        The Russian envoy also reiterated that his country is not seeking a dominant role in Asia; instead they want to strengthen their ties with other countries in the continent.

                         Khovaev said “it’s a very western interpretation” that Russia is seeking a greater role in Asia. “We don’t need a greater role in the region. Russia exists in the region and belongs to this region,” he said.

                         The ambassador also said their only interest is “to make a development contribution on cooperation of peace, security and stability.”

                          “We fully understand that no country even at the most powerful one is able to ensure a security on its own. Combine efforts are required. That is why, we are seeking new partners, new friends, like the Philippines for example,” he said.

                          Khovaev also said Moscow and Manila should intensify its “people to people” context on all possible trades. “It is absolutely required in order to successfully develop our mutual relations,” he said.