Manila, Feb. 20 -- The Philippines and the Czech Republic reaffirmed their growing defense ties as Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. met with Czech Defense Minister Jana Cernochova at the Makati Shangri-La on Thursday.

This meeting is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to deepen the country's defense cooperation.

"During their bilateral discussions, both defense chiefs reaffirmed the enduring ties between the Philippines and the Czech Republic, which date back to the establishment of diplomatic relations on October 5, 1973. The meeting also marked the first official visit by a Czech Defense Minister to the Philippines, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Man...