Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. welcomed Mr. Jaroslaw Szczepankiewicz, Chargé d’affaires of Poland to the Philippines, during the latter’s courtesy call.
Reaffirming the 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).
In line with the Department’s efforts to develop its self-reliance defense posture, 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.
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. Amidst security challenges, the two officials mutually agreed on working together in jointly enhancing both armed forces’ capacities.
