President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said the issue in the West Philippine Sea was among the topics he and Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala discussed during their "successful" bilateral meeting in Malacañang on April 17.

President Marcos welcomes Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala in Malacañang. (Noel Pabalate)

During their joint presser in the Palace on Monday evening, the President noted that their meeting was an "important milestone" in the 50-year diplomatic ties between the Philippines and the Czech Republic.

"This makes our discussions even more significant," he said.

"I express our commitment to strengthening the bilateral relationship between our two countries," he added.

Marcos said that he and Fiala discussed various issues of mutual interests, such as defense cooperation, trade and investment, university-to-university linkages, and labor cooperation, alongside regional and international issues with a common concern.

"We recognize the importance of building on the consisting areas of cooperation and exploring new opportunities for collaboration," he said.

"I also emphasize the Philippines' strategic location in Southeast Asia, and its potential as a gateway to the region, to ASEAN, to the Asia-Pacific," he added.

In particular, the President said he and the Czech leader discussed the West Philippine Sea. He, however, did not disclose specifics.

"We had a very interesting exchange of views regarding regional and international issues, including the West Philippine Sea and cross-strait relations and the war in Ukraine, amongst others," he said.

During their joint presser, President Marcos says his meeting with Czech Prime Minister Fiala marks an important milestone in the 50 years of diplomatic ties between the Czech Republic and the Philippines. (📸MPC Pool) @manilabulletin pic.twitter.com/fjh6lSeIDs

— Argyll Cyrus Geducos (@argyll_mb) April 17, 2023

In addition, Marcos said he and Fiala shared positive developments in the Philippine economy, including its high gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate and strong economic outlook in the context of a difficult and volatile world economic situation.

President Marcos and Prime Minister Fiala likewise stressed their countries' commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

Fiala is embarking on a three-day Official Visit to the Philippines from April 16 to 18. He arrived in Malacañang on Monday afternoon.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Philippines attaches high importance to its ties with the Czech Republic and the European Union (EU) and endeavors to advance them across political, economic, and security areas.

The visit highlights an important milestone in relations between the Philippines and the Czech Republic as they commemorate the establishment of diplomatic relations on Oct. 5.

President Marcos and Prime Minister Fiala previously met on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) – EU Commemorative Summit in Brussels, Belgium, in December last year.