Manila:Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Polish President Karol Nawrocki engaged in discussions regarding bilateral cooperation in defense, trade, and technology during a meeting in Manila.

According to Anadolu Agency, the talks between the two leaders covered ongoing and potential collaborations in various sectors, including defense and security, trade, industry, agriculture, science and technology, ICT, energy, legal cooperation, and people-to-people ties.

This visit marks Nawrocki as the first Polish leader to officially visit the Philippines. President Marcos highlighted the progress in defense cooperation between the two countries, noting the acquisition of S-70 Black Hawk combat utility helicopters by the Philippines. Both nations are looking to expand their defense collaboration through joint training and educational programs facilitated by the Philippines-Poland Joint Defense Cooperation Committee.

The discussions also focused on strengthening agricultural cooperation, particularly in areas such as trade, market access, sanitary and phytosanitary cooperation, as well as agricultural research and education. Additionally, both leaders welcomed increased collaboration in science, technology, and innovation, including space technologies.

An Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters was signed during the meeting. Nawrocki and Marcos also addressed regional and international issues of mutual concern, including the South China Sea challenges and security developments in Ukraine and Europe. They reiterated their commitment to upholding the rule of law in international relations and resolving conflicts peacefully.

The two leaders explored opportunities to enhance relations between ASEAN, currently chaired by the Philippines, and Poland. Poland's participation as an observer in the Balikatan exercises, the annual military exercise between the US and the Philippines, was also noted.