President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. welcomed the efforts of the Czech Republic government to support the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines as part of the country’s technology transfer and defense investment initiatives.
Czech President Petr Pavel assured President Marcos in a joint press conference on Thursday that they are supporting the Philippine government’s AFP modernization program as he emphasized that the Czech Republic has a long lasting tradition when it comes to defense industry. “The Czech Republic has had a long tradition when it comes to defense industry. We have a lot to offer,” President Pavel told the press when asked about the kind of cooperation that the Philippines and the Czech Republic are exploring in defending international law, particularly in the South China Sea issue.
For his part, Czech Republic Prime Minister Petr Fiala said that they are ready to help the Philippines boost its defense security measures as he emphasized that the “Czech beneficiaries” are ready to supply technologies needed “to build resources in the future.”
“The Philippines is a more regional partner in the field of defense and corporation is just an operation and they are very interested to help with the process of modernization of military equipment,” Prime Minister Fiala told President Marcos.
For his part, President Marcos said he appreciated the efforts of the Czech officials as he emphasized that their commitment to support the AFP modernization program comes at a time when the country is in the process of modernizing the capabilities and the capacities of the AFP.
President Marcos said that part of the AFP modernization program is the procurement schedule under the Re-Horizon Phase 3 of the Revised AFP Modernization Program (RAFPMP), and the training of the military force. Under the Re-horizon 3 of the RAFPMP, the Philippine government plans to acquire more ships, aircraft, and radar systems to focus on improving the military’s archipelagic defense capabilities.
“The Czech Republic has always been active as a source of equipment from the Philippines. And so, we come again to Czech Republic and offer the, the partnership with the Czech Republic and the Philippines,” President Marcos said.
“We invite the Czech defense companies, defense industry for them to submit proposals, and to once again to participate in the, to supply the Philippines future defense capability requirement,” the chief executive added.
The chief executive also emphasized that the Philippines “encourage the technology transfer investments and other innovative arrangements of co-production joint venture. President Marcos said that Czech Republic’s participation in the AFP’s modernization program will not only enhance its capacity and capability, but will also serve as an important part of strengthening the relations between the Philippines and the Czech Republic.
Before President Marcos’ state visit to the Czech Republic, several Czech defense companies have offered their products as potential solutions to requirements under the RAFPMP. Last February 6, Czech Ambassador to the Philippines Karel Hejč accompanied a Czech defense delegation in a courtesy call on senior officials of the Department of Defense (DND) led by Senior Undersecretary Irineo C. Espino.
President Marcos is undertaking a state visit in Prague, Czech Republic upon the invitation of President Pavel to strengthen the bilateral cooperation and multilateral partnership between the Philippines and the Czech Republic. The diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the Czech Republic were officially established on October 5, 1973. |PND
