The Philippines and Poland discussed potential initiatives to advance bilateral defense relations earlier this week, a Department of National Defense (DND) official said.
DND Spokesperson Arsenio Andolong stated that this subject was tackled during the first standalone visit of Minister of Foreign Affairs Poland Radosław Sikorski to the Philippines.
Following the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Poland in 2023, Secretary Teodoro highlighted the common values and shared sentiments of both countries towards upholding a rules-based international order.
Meanwhile, Minister Sikorski expressed Poland’s interest in partnering with countries like the Philippines on defense matters, now that it has seen increased defense spending at 4.3% to 4.7% of its GDP.
With the successful delivery of the first batch of S-701 Black Hawk helicopters enhancing the Philippine Air Force, the two officials discussed broadening their cooperation to include information exchange and expertise in combating disinformation, emerging technologies, hybrid warfare, and cybersecurity.
The Philippines had acquired 16 Black Hawk helicopters from Poland, with deliveries occurring from 2020 to 2021.
