Russia's ambassador to Manila said on Wednesday that Moscow is ready to supply the Philippines with sophisticated weapons such as aircrafts and submarines.

The ambassador has also voiced Russia's intentions to become a close friend of the Philippines, a country that has been the United States' traditional ally, adding that Russia is working on diversifying its foreign ties.

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Fiery Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's outbursts against the United States have soured relations between the two countries. He has also worked on scaling back military ties between his country and the United States.

As a sign of the Philippines' changing foreign relations since Duterte came into power in June last year, two Russian warships have docked on a four-day visit to Manila. And speaking aboard the anti-submarine vessel Admiral Tributs, Russian ambassador Igor Anatolyevich Khovaev said that he understood that the Philippines is intent on gaining new foreign partners. 

"We don't interfere with your relations with traditional partners and your traditional partners should respect the interest of the Philippines and Russia," the ambassador said.

The visit by the Russian navy comes hot on the heels of Duterte's decision to send his foreign and defense ministers to Russia to strike an arms deal.

Duterte sent the ministers to Russia after US Senator Ben Cardun vowed to block the sale of 26,000 assault rifles to the Philippines, citing concern over the huge death toll in Duterte's war on drugs.

However, Khovaev said that Russia is willing to supply the Philippines with small arms and light weapons and will also offer some airplanes, helicopters, and submarines.

"Russia has a lot to offer but everything will be done in full compliance with international law," the ambassador said.

The ambassador added that it was too early to discuss the scope of the military cooperation between the two countries but insisted that the Philippines' old allies have no reason to be concerned.

TagsPhilippines, Russia, Rodrigo Duterte