Press Statement of Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo After the Bilateral Meeting with German Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock

11 Jan 2024

Your Excellency, Annalena Baerbock

Colleagues from the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Colleagues from the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs

Friends from the media

Good afternoon.

I am honored to extend a warm welcome to Her Excellency Annalena Baerbock, the Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany, on her first visit to the Philippines. 

This significant occasion marks the first visit by a German Foreign Minister to the Philippines in over a decade, underscoring the renewed commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between our countries.

This year also marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Germany, established on October 8, 1954, and today’s meeting serves as a fitting start to our commemorative celebrations.

During our meeting, Minister Baerbock and I engaged in meaningful discussions on advancing peace and development within the Philippines. Economic collaboration was a key focus, with talks on increasing trade and investments.

We also discussed enhancing cooperation in labor through the Memorandum of Agreement between the Philippines and Germany on the Placement of Skilled Workers and other Professionals, which will enable more Filipinos to live and work in Germany. 

Emphasizing regional security, Minister Baerbock and I reaffirmed our countries’ shared commitment to championing a rules-based international order. I thanked Foreign Minister Baerbock for Germany’s unflinching support for international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the final and binding 2016 Arbitral Award—the twin anchors of the Philippines’ position on the West Philippine Sea.

Finally, I recognized Germany’s leadership role in climate finance and its strong support for the Loss and Damage Fund, created at the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai last month. For the Philippines, which is particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, Germany’s commitment for support signifies a crucial partnership for our nation's resilience. It is my hope that Germany will also support the Philippines’ bid to host the Board of the Loss and Damage Fund.

To end, as we look forward to another 70 years of robust partnership, I am confident that we can strengthen our relations further and work together on a host of bilateral and multilateral issues for the mutual benefit of our nations.

Again, my warmest welcome to you, Minister Baerbock. It has been a fruitful and engaging meeting.

Thank you and good afternoon.