Czech Republic’s stand on WPS issue hailed

CZECH Republic’s decision to side with the Philippines on the issue of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) was a “triumphant achievement in statecraft,” said House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Friday.

Romualdez issued the statement after Czech Republic President Petr Pavel told President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that his country is supporting the Philippines in its territorial dispute against China.

Romualdez said the Czech president’s expression of support has resulted from the exceptional diplomatic efforts of Marcos.

“Support from countries like the Czech Republic significantly reinforces the Philippine position and amplifies the international voice dismissing China’s sweeping claims over the area. It could also help promote a rules-based approach to resolving maritime disputes by international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” he added.

Romualdez commended Marcos for advancing discussions on enhanced defense cooperation, cybersecurity, and modern technologies with the Czech Republic.

“Such cooperation can bolster the Philippines’ defense capabilities, enhance maritime security in the region, and contribute to deterring potential threats to our sovereignty and territorial integrity in the West Philippine Sea,” Romualdez said.

Czech defense companies, Romualdez said, can help the country advance the Re-Horizon 3 phase of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program that includes the acquisition of ships, aircraft and radar systems.