Ties cemented with fast-progressing Poland

Polish President Karol Nawrocki and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. both agreed to strengthen relations through greater cooperation in defense and security, trade and investment, agriculture, science and technology, digital connectivity, energy, legal cooperation, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

“During our bilateral meeting this afternoon, President Nawrocki and I discussed our country’s ongoing and prospective cooperation in areas such as defense and security, trade, industry, agriculture, science and technology, ICT, energy, legal cooperation, and people-to-people connections,” President Marcos said during their joint press conference on Tuesday night.

Nawrocki said his visit opens a new chapter in bilateral relations, with Poland interested in elevating its ties with the Philippines to a strategic partnership.

“Today, we want, and we are opening a new chapter in these relations. Poland is very interested in raising our relationship to the level of a strategic partnership,” Nawrocki said.

On economic cooperation, President Marcos said the two countries noted the “positive trajectory” of bilateral trade and agreed to support greater private sector participation in partnerships and investment opportunities.

The two leaders also agreed to deepen agricultural cooperation in trade, market access, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, technology, agricultural research and education to support food security.

Help on cybersecurity

In the digital sector, both sides are working to finalize a memorandum of understanding on information and communications technology cooperation covering cybersecurity, e-governance and digital connectivity.

The Philippines and Poland also welcomed increased cooperation in science, technology and innovation, including space technologies, as the Philippine Space Agency and Polish Space Agency continue their engagement.

President Marcos also cited progress in legal cooperation following the signing earlier this year of the Agreement on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons and the Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters prior to the joint press conference.