Philippine and Czech Republic flags (INQUIRER.net stock photo)
MANILA, Philippines — The Czech Republic has been proposing marine vessels that the Philippines could use to secure territorial waters, said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Palace said that Marcos had met with Czech Republic Ambassador to the Philippines Karel Hejč at Malacañan Palace.
“Your country has already been of assistance to us in proposing some vessels that we could use for the securing of our maritime waters, our maritime territory. And as you must know that this is becoming a very thorny problem that we are facing,” Marcos told Hejč.
According to the Palace, the Czech Republic manufactures different types of war materials, including fighter jets.
“Not only the Philippines but I think the entire region, even extending up to the Indo-Pacific. So, there’s much that we need to attend to but I think that if we are able to have close partners and alliances, that we’ll always be a very important part of our foreign policy,” Marcos said.
Hejč also invited Marcos to the Czech Republic so that the President could observe the country’s defense industries.
“If you will have some time during your visit in the Czech Republic, it will be also a pleasure to show you some of the industries that are interested in working with your Armed Forces, with your Coast Guard,” said Hejč.
Marcos’ interest in weaponry comes amid rising territorial tensions in the West Philippine Sea. Last Sunday, Chinese vessels hit Philippine boats while the latter were on a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre.