Philippines eyeing defense cooperation with Poland

MANILA — Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo and Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs Radoslaw Sikorski on Wednesday held a bilateral meeting to further advance cooperation in various aspects between the two countries.

Sikorski is in Manila from September 3 to 5 to also meet with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro.

“I think we both agree that we have very common perceptions on this security situation as well as the geopolitical events going around the world,” Manalo said.

He said Sikorski will also be meeting with Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro.

"[C]ertainly, more defense cooperation is certainly, under consideration," he said.

During their bilateral meeting, Poland also expressed support for the Philippines in light of escalating tension in the West Philippine Sea.

“Well, it looks like both of our regions have a problem with powerful countries, members of the UN Security Council, turning to revisions, to changing borders,” said Sikorski.

"And we think that the arbitrations under [the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea] should be followed, should be honored and therefore, the Philippines has our solidarity on this matter."

Sikorski further explained that the security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific are interlinked.

Cooperation between the Philippines and Poland has become even more vital as the two nations will soon play key leadership roles.

Poland will take on the presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) in 2025, while the Philippines will take over the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026.

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) purchased several of its Black Hawk combat utility helicopters from Poland.

But the Philippine government is also eyeing several other partnerships, in terms of security.

"We've also looked at the possibility of having greater maritime activity cooperation. This could take many forms, not only possible activities but also exchanges of information, meeting of officials, cooperation between our respective coast guards etc," Manalo said further.

"But also important is our commitment to upholding a rules-based order and the importance of international law."

The two countries are also looking into further enhancing trade relations, as well as agricultural and digital cooperation.