[GMA News] Russia and the Philippines are expected to begin military and anti-terror cooperation under the administration of incoming Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte, the Russian ambassador indicated to reporters. Duterte met Ambassador Igor Khovaev on Wednesday.Khovaev said, "It is time to promote our military cooperation.... We have a great potential for cooperation in the field, in the struggle against terrorism and other challenges and threats to security and sustainable development."
Khovaev said terrorist groups such as the Abu Sayyaf and Daesh were discussed during his meeting with Duterte. He said, "Both Russia and the Philippines suffered a lot from terrorists. Terrorists are a common threat to all of us. It is not possible to eradicate, to eliminate terrorism alone. All of us should combine our efforts. And we discussed the subject in this way. We have a full mutual understanding in this respect. Russia of course has a lot more experience in this field."
"We are open to share our experience. We are open to share our information. We are open for close partnership in this field," Khovaev added.