PH-Czech Republic to explore further cooperation in agri, transpo

Flags of the Philippines and the Czech Republic. INQUIRER.net stock images

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and the Czech Republic will explore further cooperation in agriculture and transportation, among other areas.

Czech Republic Prime Minister Petr Fiala revealed this on Monday after he and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. held a bilateral meeting in Malacañang.

Fiala said several businessmen were part of his delegation to the Philippines, anticipating that the meeting could spur a “new start for successful cooperation” between Filipino and Czech firms.

“Our companies offer solutions in many fields, many areas, agriculture, aviation, transportation, or space technologies. Defense and security cooperation is very important in our relations,” he said in a press statement released after the bilateral meeting.

“I fully support the talks about delivering transport aircraft and other projects in the aviation sector,” Fiala added.

READ: Bongbong Marcos welcomes Czech Republic PM in Malacañang

The European leader said its company, Česká Zbrojovka, offers “extensive modernization” to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, including technology transfer.

The Czech leader also noted that Czech firms could provide technical assistance and expertise to the Philippine National Dairy Authority.

“Czech companies can also offer technologies for storing raw milk and its processing,” Fiala said.

For his part, President Marcos said he and Fiala had a “very interesting exchange of views“ about regional and international issues.

READ: Czech companies exploring business opportunities in PH

He said this included the West Philippine Sea, and Cross-Strait Relations and the war in Ukraine, among others.

“We both emphasized our countries’ shared commitment to democracy, to human rights, and the rule of law,” Marcos said in a separate statement.

Marcos said he also discussed with Fiala “a range of issues of mutual interest,” including defense cooperation, trade and investment, university-to-university linkages, and labor cooperation.

He said the Philippines is committed to strengthening its bilateral relationship with the Czech Republic.

“We recognize the importance of building on the existing areas of cooperation and exploring new opportunities for collaboration,” he said.

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