Russia eyes military, anti-terror ties with PHL under Duterte

DAVAO CITY—The Philippines and Russia are expected to start their military and anti-terrorism cooperation under the administration of incoming president Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, the Russian ambassador indicated to reporters on Wednesday night.

Duterte and Ambassador Igor Khovaev met on Wednesday.

The country's next president earlier in the week also met with the ambassadors from China, Japan and Israel.

"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 in a chance interview at a Davao City hotel.

Khovaev said terrorist groups such as the Abu Sayyaf and ISIS were mentioned during his meeting with Duterte.

He said Russia was willing to work closely with Philippines by sharing their knowledge on terrorism.

"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," Khovaev said.

"We have a full mutual understanding in this respect. Russia of course has a lot more experience in this field," he added.

"We are open to share our experience. We are open to share our information. We are open for close partnership in this field," Khovaev said. —NB, GMA News