Malacañang
07 February 2013

President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomed German Foreign Minister Dr. Guido Westerwelle in a courtesy call in Malacañang.

He was joined by Federal Foreign Office Director-General for Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Near and Middle East Ambassador Clemens von Goetze and by German Ambassador to the Philippines Joachim Heidorn.

Dr. Westerwelle is in Manila for a two-day visit (February 7-8) to boost stronger bilateral relations with the Philippines and to hold discussions about the Mindanao Peace Process with the representatives of civil society groups.

The Minister is also scheduled to meet the representatives of the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI).

In the European Union, Germany is the Philippines’ second largest export market and the second largest source of tourists from Europe. It is also the fourth largest bilateral donor of overseas development assistance (ODA) in the country.

Other officials present during the call were Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Albert Del Rosario, DFA Office of European Affairs Assistant Secretary Elizabeth Buensuceso and Director Mersole Mellejor and Philippine Ambassador to Germany Maria Cleofe Natividad.

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