MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday sought the assistance of the Czech Republic in the transfer of technology in the defense sector.

In a meeting with Czech Republic Prime Minister Petr Fiala on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-European Union (ASEAN-EU) commemorative summit in Brussels, Belgium, President Marcos said technology transfer is part of his government’s continued support for the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) modernization program.

“It’s something that has been very helpful to the program of modernization that we are undergoing for defense forces in the Philippines especially now that we have… we are trying to strengthen the capabilities of our Coast Guard,” Marcos said.

It is also interesting to note, according to Marcos, how technology transfer can elevate defense production abilities in the country.

“But what would be even more interesting is besides just the equipment, would be the transfer of technology from your country to mine so that you are able to produce [in our own country] some of the material that is now being provided by other countries and perhaps use… make the Philippines a center for all that, the logistics,” the President said.

President Marcos expressed hope that the modernization of the AFP will drive it to enhance its defense capabilities consistently and perform its duties effectively. (PND)