17 October 2013 - Representatives of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Federal Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany held their inaugural political consultation today at the Manila Diamond Hotel.
The Philippine delegation was headed by DFA Undersecretary for Policy Evan P. Garcia who was joined by Assistant Secretary for European Affairs Maria Zeneida Angara Collinson, Philippine Ambassador to Germany Maria Cleofe R. Natividad and other DFA officials as well as representatives from the Department of National Defense, National Economic and Development Authority, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, National Commission on Culture and the Arts, Commission on Higher Education and Social Security System.
Ambassador Dr. Clemens von Goetze, Director-General for Africa Asia, Latin America, Near and Middle East of the German Federal Foreign Office, led the German delegation. He was joined from the Federal Foreign Office by Ms. Birgitt Ory, Director for Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Regional Cooperation, and by officials from the German Embassy in Manila including Mr. Michael Hasper, Chargé d’ Affaires, a.i.; Mr. Christof Wegner, Commercial Counsellor; and Mr. Michael Fuchs, Head of Cultural Affairs.
The delegations discussed recent developments in the Philippines and Germany and exchanged views on the current state of bilateral relations. They identified ways to further enhance cooperation at the political level and in such areas as trade, investments, labor, employment, defense, education and culture.
The delegations also exchanged views on regional and international developments.
The political consultation follows high-level official exchanges of Philippine and German officials over the last two years. It sets the stage for the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in October 2014.
Trade relations between the Philippines and Germany is very positive with total bilateral trade estimated at US$3.4 billion as of the end of 2012, making Germany the Philippines’ top trading partner in Europe. END