Metro Manila — Russian President Vladimir Putin assured that his country is ready to assist the Philippines in fighting terrorism during his fourth meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte Thursday in Sochi .
"Dear Mr. President, we are ready to continue to offer partnership in the area of counter-terrorism efforts, to share our experience and practices," Putin said during the bilateral meeting with Duterte, according to a transcript posted on the Russian leader's website.
Putin noted how Duterte “managed to considerably bring down the level of the terrorist threat in the country and strengthen the potential of law enforcement agencies."
He also expressed interest to work with the Philippines in expanding industrial cooperation, establishing peaceful use of nuclear energy, space exploration and the use of digital technologies.
Both Putin and Duterte acknowledged the Marawi siege, which cut short the Philippine leader’s first trip to Russia in 2016.
Duterte underscored the need to sustain dialogues between Manila and Moscow’s foreign ministries, national security councils and economic agencies.
“I am, therefore, happy to continue our dialogue with the view of identifying vital areas of cooperation which will concentrate on our efforts in the coming years,” Duterte said.
Duterte also reaffirmed the Philippines’ strong commitment to build a “robust and comprehensive partnership” with Russia.
This is not the first time that Putin has offered the Philippines help to fight terrorism.
After the Jolo blasts in January, Putin said Russia is ready “to further step up interaction with our Philippine partners in combating the terrorist threat in all its forms and manifestations.”
In several speeches, Duterte has also credited Russia for giving the Philippines arms, while chiding the US — his country's traditional ally — for holding off an arms deal amid human rights concerns surrounding his drug war. - AdChoiceTV News
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