Czech Republic to supply Phl with military equipment

The Czech Republic is ready to supply the Philippines with the latest defense technology and equipment to support its ongoing military modernization program, Prime Minister Petr Fiala told President Marcos.

- HELEN FLORES

During the two leaders' bilateral meeting here on Thursday, Fiala assured Marcos of support for the Philippines' efforts to boost the country's defense amid rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

Fiala said Czech companies "are very interested" in helping in the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Marcos, for his part, said the Czech government's assistance comes at a time when the country is in the process of strengthening the capabilities and the capacities of its military.

He told Fiala of the Re-Horizon Phase 3 of the Revised AFP Modernization Program, which involves the acquisition of more ships, aircraft and radar systems mainly for boosting the military's archipelagic defense capabilities.

"The Czech Republic has always been active as a source of equipment for the Philippines. And so, we come again to Czech Republic and offer the partnership with the Czech Republic and the Philippines," Marcos said.

"We invite the Czech defense companies, defense industry for them to submit proposals and to once again participate... to supply the Philippines' future defense capability requirement," the Chief Executive said.

Fiala said he acknowledged the Philippines as a key partner in the Indo-Pacific region.

"We are interested in stronger economic and trade with your country. We can assist this diversification of your country's economic model," the prime minister said.

"And I saw in Manila many possibilities for our future cooperation. We discussed cooperation, agriculture, defense, aviation and energy," he said.

At a joint press briefing with Marcos on Thursday, Czech President Petr Pavel also assured the Philippine leader of his country's commitment to assist in the AFP modernization.