Poland is one with the Philippines in maintaining rules-based order and peace in the Indo-Pacific Region.

Polish Chargé d’affaires Jarosław Szczepankiewicz made this remark in his courtesy call with Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on June 30.

“On regional security developments, the Chargé d’affaires conveyed that Poland is one with the Philippines in upholding the rules-based international order and maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, especially in the West Philippine Sea,” DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in a statement Thursday.

Amid security challenges, the two officials “mutually agreed” to work together in jointly enhancing both Armed Forces’ capabilities. Szczepankiewicz’s visit also reaffirmed strong bilateral defense cooperation between the Philippines and Poland.

“Secretary Teodoro expressed his appreciation to the Polish government for the S-70i ‘Black Hawk’ helicopter project, which was intended to boost the capability of the Philippine Air Force (PAF),” Andolong said.

The PAF earlier acquired 15 Polish-made S-70i and waiting for the delivery of another 32 “Black Hawk” combat utility helicopters which is expected to beef up the troop carrying and humanitarian assistance disaster relief capabilities of the Air Force.

Poland has also committed to helping the Philippines in its self-reliance defense posture program.

“Both officials committed to strengthening cooperation on the development of the Philippines’ defense industries, which is vital for preserving the country’s national security and boosting its economic development,” Andolong stressed.

On Wednesday, Teodoro also received Chinese Ambassador to Manila Huang Xilian who made a courtesy call at the DND.

“Following the productive outcomes of the state visit to China of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. last January 2023, the SND (Secretary of National Defense) and the Ambassador highlighted the enhancement of defense relations through the implementation of existing bilateral mechanisms, and dialogue platforms, such as the Philippines-China Annual Defense and Security Talks (ADST), which China is set to host,” Andolong said.

During the meeting, the DND chief emphasized the need to sustainably develop institutions through a bottom-up approach and follow through in effectively implementing existing mechanisms.

“Furthermore, Secretary Teodoro lauded China for its vision of a powerful nation, which he likened to the capability upgrade of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). In the same breath, Secretary Teodoro underscored that a strong AFP will serve as the ‘bedrock’ for regional stability and resiliency in the force of external threats, and emphasized that the Philippines’ defense capability-building efforts will always be in line with the Philippines’ national interests.,” Andolong said.

The Philippines has been a recipient of China’s military aid since 2006. (PNA)