German leade invites Marcos

MANILA, Philippines — German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has invited President Marcos to visit Germany, in a phone call that tackled key areas of cooperation between their two countries.

In a Facebook post, Marcos said he and Merz discussed strengthening defense and economic cooperation, working together on regional issues and creating more opportunities for their people during the conversation, which he described as “good.”

“I also thanked him for the kind invitation to visit Germany again soon,” the President said.

Marcos visited Germany in March 2024 to boost bilateral ties between Manila and Berlin and to meet with investors. The visit was part of the celebration of the 70th anniversary of Philippine-German diplomatic relations.

During Marcos’ meeting with then German chancellor Olaf Scholz, the two leaders talked about upholding the rule of law, promoting a rules-based international order and strengthening the cooperation in peace and development, defense cooperation, maritime cooperation, trade and investment including on critical raw materials and renewable energy, climate change and labor.

Marcos also highlighted the Philippines’ commitment to a clean energy future and invited German investments in green energy initiatives.

According to Marcos, his visit to Germany yielded business agreements for projects with a total value of $4 billion in renewable energy, manufacturing, health care, innovation and startups, IT-BPM, minerals processing, agriculture and aerospace.

The Joint Declaration of Intent on Strengthening Cooperation in the Maritime Sector between Philippine and German Transportation Agencies, and the cooperation program between the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and the German Federal Institute for Vocational and Education and Training, were also inked during the visit.