The talks with Jaime V. Ledda of the Department of Foreign Affairs centred around bilateral relations, with a focus on political and economic cooperation, and a presentation of Poland’s assessment of the Russian aggression against Ukraine and its consequences for global security.

The Polish deputy minister said that the bilateral relations need to be furthered and so does the two countries’ cooperation in the international setting, highlighting that Manila is Warsaw’s important partner in Asia. He confirmed that Poland is ready to cooperate to ensure food security for the Philippines, especially by providing access to Polish agri-food products, and to support the plans of the new Philippine government concerning the digitalisation of the country’s economy and administration. The deputy head of Polish diplomacy referred to the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Poland and the Philippines. “We have enjoyed friendly relations based on respect, understanding, and mutually beneficial cooperation,” highlighted the minister. Deputy Minister Przydacz thanked the Philippine side for its stance on Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

The meeting with National Security Adviser Clarita Carlos focused on the situation in Asia and the Indo-Pacific, and the region’s significance for global economy. The threat to international security posed by Russia and its collaboration with China was also brought up during the meeting. The talks covered the situation in the South China Sea and Beijing’s activity in the region. “All disputes concerning the South China Sea should be settled in a peaceful manner,” emphasised Deputy Minister Przydacz. “The most fitting instrument for such peaceful settlement will be negotiations carried out in line with the spirit and the letter of international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” added the diplomat.

The Polish deputy minister took part in a business seminar on “ICC Philippines – Poland’s Digital Transformation 2.0 – Post-Pandemic IT Services – Polish IT Companies in the Philippines”, organised by the Foreign Trade Office in Manila, the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Philippines, and the Philippines-Poland Business Council.

 

Łukasz Jasina
MFA Press Spokesperson