Russia ready to cooperate with Philippines after declaring 'separation' from US

The Russian Ambassador to the Philippines said Moscow is ready to cooperate with Manila in any possible area or field.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. Photo:Reuters.

"Make a list of your wishes. What support does the Philippines want from Russia? We are ready to discuss what can be done," RT quoted Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Igor Khovaev as saying today.

Mr Khovaev said Russia was open to cooperation with the Philippines in "any possible area, any possible field". He also declared that Moscow would not interfere in the internal affairs of a sovereign state, and that Russia "is really very different from what is depicted in Hollywood movies".

The representative of the Russian government in the Philippines said that the PresidentRodrigo Duterte impressed Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev during their meeting.at the ASEAN Summit late last month in Laos. The Russian ambassador said Moscow supported Mr. Duterte’s controversial crackdown on drugs.

The Philippines' finance minister has said Manila is open to all forms of aid but will choose what brings "the most benefit to the country".

Russia's statement came after President Duterte announced his "separation from the US"during his visit to China yesterday. He said that he wouldmet with Russian President Putin to say that China, the Philippines and Russia will stand together against the world.

However, the spokesman for the Philippine president issued a statement today saying that the announcement of "separation" of relations with the US was only intended to emphasize the country's independent foreign policy.

According to VNE