Polish, Chinese missions arrive

A defense delegation from Poland and a trade delegation from China arrived in the country yesterday to explore defense cooperation between Manila and Warsaw and strengthen trade ties between Manila and Beijing.

The Polish delegation, led by Polish Defense Minster Radoslak (Radek) Sikorski, is here for a three-day official visit aimed at establishing a mechanism for political consultation and defense cooperation between the two countries.

Meanwhile, the 100-member China trade delegation led by People’s Republic of China Trade Minister Fu Xi Lai will explore trade opportunities with local entrepreneurs and is expected to boost business relations between the two countries.

Fu and his delegation were welcomed by a group of Philippine government officials and business luminaries led by Trade and Industry Secretary Peter Favila, taipan Lucio Tan and members of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII).

At the presidential lounge of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Centennial Terminal, Fu expressed optimism that the visit with top Chinese businessmen will be a productive one.

Tan, for his part, said the high-level meetings between Filipino and Chinese businessmen would improve trade relations between the two countries and help local businessmen break into China’s huge market.

The visit of the Chinese dignitaries will coincide with the celebration of the Philippine-PROC Friendship Day tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Sikorski and his delegation will pay a courtesy call on Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City tomorrow and hold a roundtable discussion with Cruz and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Generoso Senga.

Rosulo Manlangit, director of the Department of National Defense’s Office of Public Affairs, said the discussion is expected to break ground for future defense and security cooperation between the two countries.

At Camp Aguinaldo, Sikorski and his delegation will be accorded full military honors. He is will also call on Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Arturo Lomibao at Camp Crame.

During his official visit here last year, Polish Prime Minister Marike Belka forged a memorandum of understanding for the establishment of a mechanism for political consultation and cooperation and the improvement of the country’s railway system in Southern Luzon.

"Minister Sikorski’s visit to the Philippines is the first by a Polish defense chief. It is a follow-up visit of the Polish Prime Minister last year," Manlangit said.

Other members of the Polish delegation include Bogdan Ojewski, chairman of the defense committee of parliament; Sen. Lesczk Soczewica, director of secretariat of the Minister of Defense; Col. Adam Sowa, deputy director of military police department; Zbigniew Karolczyk, deputy director for the international cooperation department; Piotr Paszowski, spokesman for the Minister of Defense; Jacek Najder, Asia and Pacific department, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Tadeusz Chomicki, security police department, Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Robert Kurek, Minister of Finance. — Jaime Laude, Rainier Allan Ronda