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US on PHL-Russia bilateral defense relations: Foreign relations are not binary
By Sammy F. Martin

MANILA, Jan. 4 (PNA) -- The United States on Wednesday stressed that every country has the right to pursue bilateral relations of its own choosing.

“I’ve said many times – and this is a good example of it – that foreign relations aren’t binary. Right? And these choices that countries have to make are not binary choices, and every nation-state has the right to pursue bilateral relations of its own choosing,” John Kirby, US State Department spokesperson when asked about their reaction on the planned joint military exercises by Russia and the Philippines.

“And so again, I would leave it to both of their governments to discuss it. What it – what I can promise you is that it won’t affect how we view the importance of our bilateral relationship with the Philippines,” he added.

This after the deputy commander of Russia’s Pacific fleet who is now in Manila announced plans to hold joint military exercises with thePhilippine Navy.

The Russian Navy made a port call Tuesday.

He said the Russian Navy is more than willing to show and demonstrate the use of its various combat systems to its Filipino counterparts once an agreement is inked, allowing the joint training of Philippine and Russian maritime forces.

"Maybe in the future, we'll have exercises with you maneuvering and use of combat systems," Deputy Commander Rear Admiral Eduard Mikhailov, Russian Pacific Fleet Flotilla was quoted as saying during a press briefing.

Mikhailov said Russia, the Philippines, China and Malaysia can participate in one big naval exercise in the South China Sea at a proper time.

He added that this is possible as all the above-mentioned countries are concerned with the safety and security of the region.

Mikhailov is the head of the Russian naval delegation which is on a six-day goodwill visit to the country which will end on Saturday.

However, Kirby reminded that “the defense relationship between the United States and the Philippines remains very, very strong.”

“We do have security commitments, alliance commitments that we take very, very seriously,” he pointed out.

“And that defense cooperation has always been provided at the request of Philippine administrations, so our overall mil-to-mil relations remain robust, they remain multifaceted, and that’s the way we want to see it continue. I think the Russian Navy is open to have joint exercises with its Philippine counterparts,” he concluded. (PNA)

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