TOP defense officials of the Republic of the Philippines and the Czech Republic met recently and discussed ways on how to deepen the defense collaboration between the two countries.
Secretary of the Department of National Defense (DND) Gilberto Teodoro Jr. met with Her Excellency Jana Černochová, Minister of Defense of the Czech Republic, pursuant to the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to deepen the country’s defense cooperation.
During their bilateral discussions, both defense chiefs reaffirmed the enduring ties between the Philippines and the Czech Republic, which date back to the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations on October 5, 1973. The meeting also marked the first official visit by a Czech Defense Minister to the Philippines, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Manila during World War II.
The meeting likewise underscored the resumption of the Philippine-Czech Joint Defense Committee (JDC), which convened on February 5, 2025. Both parties recognized the JDC as a crucial mechanism for enhancing defense cooperation, particularly in capability development, training, and defense industry collaboration.
For his part, Secretary Teodoro provided updates on the security situation in the South China Sea (SCS)/West Philippine Sea (WPS). He reiterated the country’s commitment to a peaceful resolution of disputes through diplomatic channels while stressing that continued aggression in the SCS/WPS poses a threat to regional peace and stability.
He also discussed the Philippine Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC) and also emphasized the importance of investing in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program, supported by strategic financing packages and international partnerships.
Discussions also covered the Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) Revitalization Act, with the Philippines seeking like-minded partners to strengthen its defense industry and enhance domestic defense capabilities.
Both sides explored avenues for enhanced cooperation in cybersecurity, focusing on skills development, and the exchange of best practices in addressing hybrid threats and disinformation campaigns.
At the end of the talks, Minister Černochová reaffirmed the Czech Republic’s commitment to deepening defense cooperation with the Philippines, as both sides expressed optimism that continued dialogue and collaboration would contribute to regional and global security, resilience, and stability.