Hanoi (VNA) – RussianDefence Minister Sergei Shoigu is expected to visit the Philippines to sign a cooperationdeal in bilateral defence industry, said Deputy Defence Minister AlexanderFomin on August 22.
Speaking with reporters, Fomin affirmedthat the deal has been discussed. The two countries currently have nocooperation agreement on the defence industry. Meanwhile, the Philippines isstruggling to buy new weapons from the US.
During his visit to Russia in May2017, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said the Philippines wants topurchase small arms from Russia.
[Philippines, Russia eye stronger defence links]
The same day, Deputy National DefenceUndersecretary of the Philippines Raymundo DV Elefante said intelligenceagencies of the two countries have strengthened cooperation incounter-terrorism, especially amid increasing threats from the self-styledIslamic State.-VNA