No hidden agenda, no political conditionalities in our donation – Russian envoy

Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Igor Khovaev has assured that there is no hidden agenda or political conditionalities attached to his country’s donation of military equipment to the Philippines.

“We Russians have no hidden agenda. If we extend our

help to you, we are doing that with sincere wishes. We have no hidden agenda and no political conditionalities,” said Khovaev at a media briefing aboard the Russian warship “Admiral Panteleyev” on Saturday.

Khovaev also announced that Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu will arrive in the country today for the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting (ADMM)-Plus.

Russian Navy Pacific Fleet consisting of two-anti submarine ships – the “Admiral Panteleyev” and the “Admiral Vinogradov” – and sea tanker “Boris Butoma” docked at the Manila South Harbor last October 20 for a goodwill visit to the Philippines. The vessels will stay in Philippine waters until October 26.

“We are also ready to discuss the possibility of transfer of Russian military technologies to your country to help build your own defense industry,” the ambassador said. The Russian naval crew is set to hand over weaponry and vehicles to the Philippines as part of its donation.

Khovaev lauded the success of the Philippine government in the fight in Marawi City. “I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all of you on the liberation of the City of Marawi in Mindanao. We are together with you,” he said.

The envoy, however, said that “this fight will take a lot of efforts.” He said: “According to our own experience of fighting terrorism, we fully understand that such struggle requires not only military needs. Of course, it is absolutely indispensable but it is not enough to eradicate terrorism,” he said.

Wide-range assistance Khovaev said social, economic, cultural, ideological, educational, and many other measures are required. “That’s why I’m saying again, we are ready to discuss with our Philippine partners any options regarding this field,” he said.

He also welcomed the idea of holding joint military exercises between the two countries. “I think that mutual exercises (drills) as the next step of our bilateral cooperation is very possible. Why not? All over, it is very desirable,” he said.

Nuclear help

The ambassador said Russia is ready to help the Philippines in the field of nuclear technology.

He described Russia’s nuclear technology as sophisticated and reliable. ”Russia has a lot to offer in this field,” he said.

Role in Asia

The Russian envoy reiterated that his country is not seeking a dominant role in Asia. Instead, he said, it wants to strengthen its ties with other countries in this part of the world.

Khovaev said it’s “a very western interpretation” that Russia is seeking a greater role in Asia. We don’t need a greater role in the region. Russia exists in the region and belongs to this region,” he said.

Russia’s only interest is “to make a contribution to peace, security, and stability,” he said.

“We fully understand that no country, even the most powerful one, is able to ensure security on its own. Combined efforts are required. That is why, we are seeking new partners, new friends like the Philippines,” he said.

Improving ties

Moscow and Manila should intensify their “people to people” relations, he said. “It is absolutely required in order to successfully develop our mutual relations,” he said.

“We expect a frank discussion on all pressing regional problems” he said. “A frank dialogue is required. We Russians are ready for such a dialogue.”

“I see a great potential for our bilateral cooperation in many other fields. It is time for our business people, from other fields and sectors to combine efforts to realize our dreams. My dream as an ambassador [is] to make our two nations closer to each other,” he said.

He invited the Filipinos to visit Russia which he described as “absolutely different.”