Russia open to cooperation; ready for the visit of President Duterte

Russia is prepared to give any sort of help to the Philippines, as the two countries know each other to an ever increasing extent, Russian emissary to Manila said Friday.

“Please formulate your wish list.  What kind of assistance do you expect from Russia and we will be ready to sit down with you and discuss what can and should be done,” Ambassador Igor Khovaev told GMA News’ Rida Reyes in a restrictive meeting.

Khovaev said that they know about the “negative” picture being depicted of Russia.

“A true Russia is much, much different from what is being portrayed by Hollywood movies. [The Philippines and Russia] deserve to know each other much, much better. It’s time to discover,” he added.

He said Russia is open to cooperation with the Philippines. “It includes any area, any field of possible cooperation.”   

Duterte, Khovaev said, awed Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev when they met in Laos a month ago.

“[Medvedev] was profoundly inspired by the identity of his Excellency President Rodrigo Duterte,” the emissary said.

Additionally, he said that Russia backings Duterte’s battle against illegal drugs and criminality. 

Not at all like a few nations in the West and the worldwide group, Russia regards the local undertakings of the Philippines.

“We don’t interfere with the domestic affairs of a sovereign state. It is a fundamental principle of our foreign policy,” he said.

In like manner, he said that Russia is getting ready for the visit of President Duterte.