Russia is ready to continue the developing of the military-technical cooperation with the Philippines, the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with the President of the Republic of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte on margins of the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) summit in Vietnam.

Soldiers of Philippines at military parade in the capital

"I remember when you had to break your visit to Russia due to terroristic attacks in your country. Leaving [Russia], you told me that you were to straighten the things out and to defeat these terrorists, I remember also," Putin said. "I want to congratulate you on the success in doing so," he added.

He alluded to the fighting against terrorism as a common task for Russia and the Philippines. "In accordance with our agreements, we are ready to develop our relations, including the ones in the military and military-technical areas; it also stands to reason that a strong emphasis shall be placed on economic ties," Putin said.

In October, the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Philippines signed an agreement on military-technical cooperation.

Russia's Defense Minister General of the Army Sergei Shoigu and the Secretary of National Defense of the Philippines Delfin Lorenzana affixed their signatures to the contract. On the same occasion, Shoigu and Duterte participated in the ceremony for the delivery of a batch of defense hardware, including small arms and military trucks, to the Philippines.

Philippines are mainly equipped with military equipment and combat vehicles from United States. 

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