Russia offers to help PH fight terrorism
Credit to Author: Tempo Desk| Date: Thu, 31 Jan 2019 13:25:00 +0000
Russia has offered to help the Philippines further enhance its defense capabilities to fight the threat of terrorism following the twin explosions in Jolo, Sulu Sunday.
Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Igor Khovaev has relayed Moscow’s message of support and sympathy during a courtesy call on President Duterte in Malacañang Thursday afternoon.
“The Russian Ambassador reiterated their condolences for the deaths caused by the twin explosions in Jolo and condemned the incident while reaffirming their country’s commitment to help our nation combat terrorism,” presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.
“Russian Ambassador Khovaev likewise renewed Russia’s commitment to strengthen their cooperation to help our national defense and significantly improve its capabilities,” he added.
He said the Russian ambassador also expressed Russia’s plan “to build a long-term relationship with the Philippines based on trust and confidence.”
Panelo said the President thanked Russia for its support to the Philippines and renewed his resolve to further strengthen their bilateral relations.
“In response, PRRD reaffirmed the importance placed by the Philippines on its relations with Russia and renewed the commitment to further expand and deepen our country’s cooperative ties with them,” he said
“PRRD also thanked the Russian Ambassador for the expression of sympathy for the lives lost in Jolo and underscored that the Philippines values its relations with countries that share the commitment to combat terrorism and violent extremism,” he added. (Genalyn Kabiling)