Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian welcomed former Polish President Andrzej Duda and former European Parliament member Tomasz Poręba to the Philippine Senate on October 20, 2026, for discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, financial technology and defense.
The meeting came two weeks after the visit of Polish President Karol Nawrocki to the Philippines, which marked another step in expanding diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries.
During the meeting, Duda expressed support for Nawrocki’s foreign policy direction, describing it as a continuation of efforts to strengthen Poland’s relationships with key international partners, including the Philippines.
Both sides acknowledged progress in Philippine-Polish relations, particularly in promoting trade and investment opportunities.
The discussions also covered potential cooperation in financial technology and the modernization of the Philippines’ defense capabilities, with Poland offering its technological expertise and experience in the defense industry.
Polish representatives also proposed exploring the possibility of establishing the Philippines as a regional depot for defense materials, with the long-term goal of developing the country into a major defense manufacturing hub in the region.
The proposal could open opportunities for industrial cooperation, technology transfer and investment in the Philippine defense sector, although specific agreements and implementation plans have yet to be announced.
The meeting highlighted continuing efforts by the Philippines and Poland to expand their partnership beyond traditional diplomatic relations and explore cooperation in strategic industries.
Source: Senate of the Philippines
