Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala has committed his support for the Philippine military modernization efforts as Prague sees Manila as among the countries "very important" to become its partner.
In a speech made after his two-day stay in Manila that included a meeting with President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., Fiala took pride in Czech companies that can offer "extensive modernization to the Philippine armed forces."
"This project also offers transfer of technology," he added as he delivered his remarks at the Malacañang Palace on Monday.
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala and President Bongbong Marcos at the Malacañang Palace. (Noel Pabalate/MANILA BULLETIN)
Defense and security cooperation is "very important" in the Czech-Philippine relations, according to Fiala, as the two countries advance their common interest on the 50th year of their relations. Therefore, he added, he also "fully" supports the talks about delivering transport aircraft and other purchases of the Filipino aviation sector. "The Philippines is a close partner of the EU (European Union) and Czech Republic. ASEAN and EU are natural allies," Fiala said. "I'm glad that we're working together and our cooperation is stronger than ever." Fiala landed in Manila on Sunday evening for a brief visit before flying on Tuesday to other Asian countries. He said Manila was the first leg of his 10-day Asian tour, which again shows that the Philippines and Asia "are very important for Czech Republic." Fiala was the second head of government to visit Marcos since assuming the presidency. The first one was Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The visit, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), "marks an important milestone" for the two sides, which also discussed other issues of mutual interest, such as trade and investment, university linkages, judicial cooperation, and labor cooperation. The Philippines attaches high importance to its ties with the Czech Republic and the members of the European Union, according to DFA. Manila "endeavors to advance these ties across political, economic and security areas. Philippines’'relations with European states, including with the Czech Republic, are energized by mutual interests in upholding democracy and freedom, rule of law, peace and stability and human rights," the DFA added.
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala and President Bongbong Marcos at the Malacañang Palace. (Noel Pabalate/MANILA BULLETIN)
Defense and security cooperation is "very important" in the Czech-Philippine relations, according to Fiala, as the two countries advance their common interest on the 50th year of their relations. Therefore, he added, he also "fully" supports the talks about delivering transport aircraft and other purchases of the Filipino aviation sector. "The Philippines is a close partner of the EU (European Union) and Czech Republic. ASEAN and EU are natural allies," Fiala said. "I'm glad that we're working together and our cooperation is stronger than ever." Fiala landed in Manila on Sunday evening for a brief visit before flying on Tuesday to other Asian countries. He said Manila was the first leg of his 10-day Asian tour, which again shows that the Philippines and Asia "are very important for Czech Republic." Fiala was the second head of government to visit Marcos since assuming the presidency. The first one was Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The visit, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), "marks an important milestone" for the two sides, which also discussed other issues of mutual interest, such as trade and investment, university linkages, judicial cooperation, and labor cooperation. The Philippines attaches high importance to its ties with the Czech Republic and the members of the European Union, according to DFA. Manila "endeavors to advance these ties across political, economic and security areas. Philippines’'relations with European states, including with the Czech Republic, are energized by mutual interests in upholding democracy and freedom, rule of law, peace and stability and human rights," the DFA added.