MAKATI CITY — The Philippines is set to deepen its defense and maritime collaboration with Poland, as detailed in a recent bilateral discussion between Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and his Polish counterpart, Radoslaw Sikorski.
According to Philippines News Agency, the meeting with Minister Sikorski was pivotal in advancing Manila’s agenda to strengthen maritime security ties with Warsaw, leveraging the shared maritime heritage of the two nations. “The minister will be meeting with (Defense Secretary Gilberto) Teodoro to go into more detail, but certainly more defense cooperation is under consideration,” Manalo stated during a joint press conference. He outlined potential cooperation areas including bilateral activities, information exchange, and engagement between the coast guards of both countries.
The dialogue also touched on broader geopolitical issues, emphasizing the interconnected security concerns of Europe and the Indo-Pacific region. Sikorski highlighted the opportunities for increased defense collaboration in light of the current international dynamics affecting both regions. “The current international situation in both our regions causes both Poland and the Philippines to make efforts to modernize our armed forces. This creates additional opportunities for cooperation,” Sikorski noted.
Furthermore, the ministers discussed the ongoing Ukraine conflict and the situation in the South China Sea, acknowledging the strategic linkages between European and Indo-Pacific security. Sikorski expressed concern over Russia’s actions in Ukraine and its implications for global order. “We discussed the destructive impact of order based on the logic of force and coercion pushed by the Russian Federation on the entire world, and expressed our concerns about Russia’s close cooperation with China,” he explained.
In addition to defense and security, Manalo and Sikorski explored avenues to boost bilateral trade and investment, focusing on sectors such as agriculture, ICT, automotive, energy, and green technologies. Manalo encouraged Polish businesses to consider opportunities in the Philippines, particularly in technology and business process outsourcing.
This meeting marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between the Philippines and Poland, with both nations looking to secure a stable and cooperative international environment. Sikorski’s visit to the Philippines, his first since 2006, underscores the growing strategic importance of the relationship in the face of evolving global challenges.