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President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr will visit Germany next week and sign a maritime deal, among other pacts
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The deal will facilitate maritime trade, mobility of commercial vessels of the two countries
The Philippines and Germany will sign an agreement to strengthen cooperation in the maritime sector during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to the European country next week.
The visit commemorates the 70th anniversary of the start of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Germany this year. Germany is home to 36,000 Filipinos.
“In Germany, in terms of government-to-government agreements, there will be a joint declaration of intent on strengthening cooperation in the maritime sector, which will be signed by both countries’ transportation agencies,” Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Maria Elena Algabre said in a Palace briefing on March 8.
“These JDIs seek to facilitate maritime trade and mobility of Philippine and German-owned commercial vessels,” she pointed out.
No other details were provided.
In 2017, during the previous administration, the Philippines and Germany had already signed a letter of intent designed to strengthen bilateral ties in maritime transport.
The LOI sought to expand activities to promote cooperation such as conducting regular talks to discuss proposals; develop and implement projects of mutual interest; organize training courses in business and maritime transport; exchange information on the investigation of marine accidents; cooperate in marine pollution prevention; and cooperate in port and maritime equipment, research, training, and staff development.
Germany and the Philippines will also sign a cooperation program extending the partnership between the German Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.
Besides Germany, the president will also visit the Czech Republic, where approximately 7,000 Filipinos live, from March 11 to 15.
Marcos’ visit to Germany and Czech Republic will focus on bolstering trade and investment, as well as extending invitation to German and Czech companies to increase their presence in the Philippines, Algabre said.
Also part of the President’s itinerary includes attending business fora to be participated in by prominent German business leaders and major companies intending to take advantage of the Philippines’ continuing impressive economic performance and conducive investment environment, Algabre added.
During the twin visits, Marcos will meet government and business leaders, and also meet with the Filipino communities.
According to the Presidential Communications Office, the president will “personally share his administration’s plans and programs for overseas Filipino workers and reaffirm the Philippine government’s commitment to supporting Filipinos worldwide.”
