BOOSTING COOPERATION. Department of National Defense (DND) Undersecretary Irineo Espino (right) and Czech Ambassador to Manila Karel Hejč pose for a photo opportunity on the sidelines of their meeting at the DND headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Feb. 6, 2024. The two officials discussed common security challenges and areas of long-term defense cooperation between Manila and Prague. (Photo courtesy of DND)
MANILA – The Czech Republic is looking to have more interactions with the Department of National Defense (DND), expressing support for the ongoing modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong, in a statement Thursday night, said this was the highlight of the meeting between a delegation from the Czech Republic, Czech Ambassador to Manila Karel Hejč, and DND Undersecretary Irineo Espino at the DND headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Feb. 6.
"The Czech delegation's courtesy call served as a follow-up to Ambassador Hejč's introductory call on Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. in December 2023," he said.
Andolong said both countries discussed common security challenges, upholding international law, especially focusing on international maritime law, and prospects for long-term defense cooperation under the 2017 agreement on defense cooperation and 2021 memorandum of understanding (MOU) concerning cooperation in the area of defense industry and logistics between the DND and the Czech Defense Ministry.
"The Czech delegation reiterated their country’s support to the modernization of the AFP, highlighting their defense products, ranging from small arms to various defense platforms. Ambassador Hejč also expressed keenness to pursue government-to-government cooperation, explore joint manufacturing arrangements, and offer financing options for potential projects," he added.
Andolong noted that both sides are looking forward to the 5th Asia Defense and Security, Crisis & Disaster Management Exhibition and Conference (ADAS) in September and the DND's hosting of the 2nd Joint Defense Committee (JDC) Meeting on a mutually agreeable date this year. (PNA)
