Philippines, Slovakia explore cooperation in nuclear energy, water treatment

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The Philippines and Slovakia are looking into possible cooperation in the fields of nuclear energy and water treatment as the two countries seek to advance the green economy.

"I think the most potential will be nuclear training. He offered that there will be some kind of nuclear engineers," Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said in a press briefing on Thursday.

"That's a big possibility because they are right now present; they have 60 years of experience in the peaceful use of nuclear energy," she added.

Lazaro made the statement as Slovak Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Juraj Blanar is in the Philippines from November 12 to 15 for an official visit.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. earlier said he is "serious" about his plans to establish nuclear power in the country in preparation for the anticipated high power demand of data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) centers set to operate in the Philippines.

This came after he announced in July that the US-led Pax Silica Industrial Hub for an AI supply chain is planned to be established in New Clark City in Tarlac.

Lazaro said the Philippines could learn from Slovakia’s expertise in water management and electric vehicle technology, noting that Slovakia is a major automobile manufacturer.

She added that the two countries will also explore in the fields of information technology, electronics, machinery, and green energy.

Meanwhile, Blanar underscored the importance of the bilateral cooperation with the Philippines.

"We can offer our expertise and also transfer our know-how and technology to your country. It's just about the discussion. We have to create a good basis, a legal basis for this cooperation," Blanar said in the same press conference.

Traveling with a business delegation, the Slovak official will also meet with Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque to discuss joint efforts and enhanced trade and investment between the two countries.

Blanar will also officially open the Slovak Embassy in Manila later today and sign the Declaration of the Deposit of the Slovak Republic's Instrument of Accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.

There are around 3,600 Filipinos in Slovakia. In 2025, bilateral trade between the two nations amounted to $29.74 million. –NB, GMA News