Russia seeks long-term partnership but not military alliance with PHL — envoy

Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Igor Khovaev on Thursday clarified that Russia is not planning on establishing a military alliance with the Philippines but hopes to maintain a long-term partnership.

Under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, Russia has extended assistance to the Philippines in terms of weaponry to fight terrorism and developing its capacity for nuclear energy.

Last month, Russia donated 5,000 Kalashnikov rifles, 5,000 steel helmets, one million rounds of ammunition, and 20 trucks to the Armed Forces.

In a News to Go interview, Khovaev said the fight against terrorism is both countries' "common fight."

"My country suffered a lot from terrorism, and we fully understand that no country is able to efficiently cope with this threat on its own. We need to combine our efforts," the ambassador said.

"So we are open for any cooperation with your country in the military and the military technical fields. We are ready to supply sophisticated arms and weapons, staff training, and we are ready also for joint military exercises and we are also ready to transfer military technology to help your country build your own defense industry."

However, he said, forming close military alliances with any Southeast Asian nation is not in line with Russia's interest to maintain equal security in the region.

Khovaev explained that there are reasons for this policy. "The security must be equal and comprehensive for all Asia-Pacific countries, not only for the selected few. Any attempt to build a close military alliance means an attempt to provide the alliance members with the security to a considerable extent at the expense of other countries," he said.

Energy development

Khovaev also confirmed that the Russian government has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Philippines to help with the assessment of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP), noting that nuclear energy can help the country in more industries than one.

"We are ready to cooperate with the country in the forms which are acceptable for you in full compliance with your own national energy development program," he said.

The ambassador also addressed the lack of a proper nuclear waste disposal facility in the Philippines, saying Russia is equipped with the "most sophisticated" facilities and is ready for discussions.

When asked about Rodrigo Duterte's campaign against illegal drugs and the human rights violation allegations surrounding it, Khovaev said Russia is "ready to combine efforts" with Filipino partners against illegal drug trafficking but clarified that it will "not meddle" with state affairs. — Margaret Claire Layug/BM, GMA News