Marcos Jr’s next destinations: Germany, Czech Republic

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos will embark on a five-day visit to Germany and Czech Republic next week that is seen to bolster bilateral ties with the two European nations and secure more investments for the country.

Marcos and First Lady Liza Marcos have been invited by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz for a working visit to Germany and by Czech President Petr Pavel for a state visit to the Czech Republic, according to a statement released by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on Thursday.

The back-to-back visits will be held from March 11 to 15.

The President’s trip to the two European states follows the visits to Manila of Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala in April last year and German Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock in January.
 Marcos will have a meeting with Scholz in Berlin.

In Czech Republic, he will meet with Pavel, Fiala, Senate President Miloš Vystr?il and President of the Chamber of Deputies Markéta Pekarová Adamová.

“This endeavor seeks to strengthen bilateral relations and foster increased cooperation with the two nations,” the PCO said.

During the President’s time in Germany and Czech Republic, he will also engage with top business leaders to bolster trade and investment opportunities.

Marcos will also meet with the Filipino communities in the two countries “to personally share his administration’s plans and programs for the OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) and reaffirm the Philippine government’s commitment to supporting Filipinos worldwide,” the PCO added.

The Philippines just celebrated the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations with the Czech Republic last year.

The Philippines and Germany, meanwhile, will commemorate the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations this year.

Marcos arrived on Wednesday night from Melbourne, Australia, where he attended the Association of Southeast Asian Nations - Australia Special Summit held on March 4 to 6.

Prior to Melbourne, the President went to Canberra on Feb. 28 and 29, where he addressed the Australian parliament.

He was the first Filipino leader to speak before the Australian legislative assembly, according to the PCO.