President Marcos’ Germany Visit Bolster Bilateral Ties, Promote Sustainable Growth
BERLIN 18 March 2024 – President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. embarked on a Working Visit to Germany aimed at continuing the enduring partnership between the Philippines and Germany. The visit was held on 12-13 March 2024 upon the invitation of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and coincides with the commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The visit saw productive discussions between President Marcos and Chancellor Scholz that focused on matters of mutual interest, particularly in upholding the rule of law and promoting a rules-based international order. Chancellor Scholz expressed Germany’s continued support for the Philippines’ position on the West Philippine Sea under the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award.
Both leaders also discussed enhancing cooperation in the areas of peace and development, defense cooperation, maritime cooperation, trade and investment including on critical raw materials and renewable energy, climate change, and labor.
Chancellor Scholz acknowledged the valuable contributions of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to Germany’s economy and society. To strengthen labor cooperation, the Philippines and Germany signed the renewal of the Cooperation Programme between TESDA and the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB). Both sides are also working towards the conclusion of the Memorandum of Agreement on the Placement of Skilled Workers and other Professionals.
A Philippine-German Business Forum was also organized during the President’s time in Berlin, which saw German companies collectively pledge $4 billion in investments across diverse sectors in the Philippines, signaling growth opportunities for both nations. Additionally, Germany reaffirmed its strong support for the resumption of negotiations on the Philippines-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which broadens market access for goods, services, and investments.
The President, highlighting the Philippines’ commitment towards a clean energy future, also extended an invitation to German firms to invest in green energy initiatives within the country.
On maritime trade and transport, a Joint Declaration of Intent on Cooperation in the Maritime Sector was signed between the transportation agencies of both countries.
President Marcos also took the opportunity to engage the Filipino community in Germany through an event attended by approximately 350 Filipinos from various German regions. Germany is home to more than 35,000 Filipinos, and the President reassured of his administration’s unwavering commitment to job creation and economic development to enable overseas Filipinos to return home and enjoy a better quality of life. END