MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlighted the Philippines' and Poland’s stronger partnership in defense and economic cooperation during Polish President Karol Nawrocki’s state visit in Manila.
Speaking during the welcome ceremony in Malacanang on Tuesday, Marcos highlighted ongoing and prospective bilateral cooperation across various key sectors, including defense and security, trade and industry, agriculture, science and technology, energy, space innovation, legal affairs, and people-to-people connections.
“The 25,000-strong Filipino community in Poland is a strong foundation of our relations,” said Marcos.
Marcos added that the two countries were keen on upholding the rule of law in international relations and peaceful resolution of conflicts in the West Philippine Sea and in the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
During the meeting, the two nations signed a mutual legal assistance agreement in criminal matters, aimed at strengthening crime prevention in both countries through enhanced legal assistance in criminal proceedings.
Marcos also revealed the country’s acquisition of S-70 Black Hawk combat utility helicopters from Poland, as part of the ongoing modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
“The Philippines also looks forward to building on the momentum of this visit and exploring even more ways to enhance our cooperation with Poland in the years ahead,” said Marcos.
Nawrocki, for his part, recognized the growing relationship between the two nations.
“Poland and the Philippines have strong ties rooted in history and developing rapidly in recent years. I believe we have a very solid foundation, as you mentioned, for taking our relationship to a new level towards strategic partnership,” Nawrocki said in his speech.
