Poland reaffirms support for PH’s rights in West Philippine Sea

As the Philippine government continues to strengthen ties with like-minded countries supporting its rights in the West Philippine Sea, Poland has reiterated its full support for the 2016 Arbitral Ruling that invalidated China's nine-dash line claim over the South China Sea.

During the celebration of Poland's Constitution Day organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Manila, Adam Dyszlewski, Chargé d'Affaires of the Republic of Poland, highlighted the statements previously made by Poland's Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, who had met with President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

"I could tell you many things about our bilateral cooperation, including the important visit by Poland's Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski last year, during which he reaffirmed Poland's commitment to UNCLOS and to the 2016 PCA ruling on the South China Sea," said Dyszlewski.

As a member state of the European Union, Poland stands by the arbitral ruling that invalidated China's expansive claims in the West Philippine Sea. Additionally, Poland has been instrumental in supplying the Philippines with Black Hawk helicopters and emerged as one of the country's top trading partners among EU nations in 2023.

"I could also speak at length about what Poland and the Philippines have achieved in terms of trade and defense cooperation with Polish-made Black Hawk and Sokol helicopters now serving here in the Philippines," Dyszlewski added.

In response, Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Jesus Domingo extended congratulations to Poland on its Constitution Day and expressed gratitude to the Polish government for its support and stance on the geopolitical situation in the Indo-Pacific region and their common commitment to liberty and democracy.

Domingo also acknowledged the recent deployment of observers from Poland to witness the democratic process in the upcoming 2025 elections. "We're very grateful that there is a Polish contingent of observers which has joined the ongoing European Union electoral mission, which is observing our elections next week," said Domingo. — BM, GMA Integrated News