Germany, PHL eye improved ties
THE FOREIGN ministers of Germany and the Philippines are set to meet in Manila this week to discuss further boosting bilateral ties, particularly in maritime cooperation, trade and investments.
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed on Monday the visit of German Foreign Minister Annalena Charlotte A. Baerbock on Jan. 11-12 and her meeting with host country counterpart, Secretary Enrique A. Manalo.
“There is a commonality between the Philippines and Germany when it comes to a rules-based order, and it’s also interesting that the German Minister will be visiting the Coast Guard,” DFA Spokesperson Ma. Teresita C. Daza told reporters in a virtual briefing. “Hopefully, the meeting will result discovering what other training programs can by Germany to the Philippine Coast Guard.”
She said the meeting would celebrate the 70th anniversary of Philippine-Germany diplomatic relations.
While in town, Ms. Baerbock is also scheduled to visit the Technical Skills Development Authority offices.
The Philippines wants to expand its trade with Germany, especially in terms of electronics and bananas.
In 2022, Germany was the Philippines’ 12th largest trading partner with trade amounting to P4.7 billion that year, Ms. Daza noted. There are about 31,660 Filipinos based in Germany, she added. — John Victor D. Ordoñez