Marcos eyes Czech help to modernize AFP amid WPS issues

PRAGUE—President Ferdinand ”Bongbong” Marcos Jr. expressed hope that Czech Republic would assist the Philippines when it comes to modernizing the Armed Forces of the Philippines amid issues in the South China Sea.

Marcos made the remark when asked about the defense cooperation between the two countries.  

He said “Czech is always an important part of that evolution.”

Marcos and President Petr Pavel tackled issues in the South China Sea in which the Philippine leader conveyed his country’s position on the matter. 

“I briefed President Pavel on the situation in the West Philippine Sea and South China Sea, and I underscored that the Philippine position on the South China Sea remains consistent, clear, and firmly anchored in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),” Marcos said during the joint press conference.

Marcos told Pavel that while it is unfortunate that there are persistent incidents of aggression and harassment in the South China Sea, the Philippines continue to engage all its neighbors and stakeholders through diplomacy and dialogue.

Marcos also thanked Pavel for the Czech Republic’s support as a like-minded partner, in upholding peace, stability, and the rules-based international order.

Marcos said the state visit reaffirms the Philippines’ commitment to further cultivate its bonds and friendship with the Czech Republic and cementing the enduring ties between the two countries and its citizens. —NB, GMA Integrated New