2 Aug 2018 12:17

Philippine foreign secretary describes possible U.S. sanctions for buying weapons from Russia as hypocritical

SINGAPORE. Aug 2 (Interfax) - U.S. sanctions against the Philippines if it buys weapons from Russia would look hypocritical, Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said.

Asked how the Philippines sees the possibility of Washington's sanctions against Manila if it continues military-technical cooperation with Moscow, Cayetano told journalists, "Some are concerned, but if we really want an independent foreign policy we can't allow anyone to dictate."

"It will be hypocritical if it happens," he said.

Asked whether the Philippines will continue military-technical cooperation with Russia, Cayetano said, "It should be getting better."

"We have worked out an agreement that satisfies both," he said.