March 11-13, 2024

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. embarks on his first Working Visit to Berlin, Federal Republic of Germany from 11-13 March 2024 upon the invitation of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to further strengthen bilateral relations and foster partnerships in various areas of mutual cooperation between the two nations.

The visit coincides with this year’s commemoration of the 70th anniversary of bilateral relations between the Philippines and Germany which was established on October 8, 1954.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), President Marcos Jr. is set to hold a meeting with German Chancellor Scholz to discuss important matters of strengthened partnerships anchored in sustainable peace and progress.

Among the topics expected to be discussed in bolstering bilateral relations between the two countries are economic cooperation, renewable energy, climate change, labor cooperation, defense and maritime cooperation, human rights, as well as several multilateral, regional and international issues.

The DFA also stated that government-to-government agreements will be signed during the visit, including a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) on strengthening cooperation in the maritime sector that seeks to facilitate maritime trade and mobility for commercial vessels operated by the Philippines and Germany, as well as a cooperation program between the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Germany’s Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) that seeks to strengthen partnership on technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

Likewise, the President is set to engage in discussions with the business community in Germany to promote the Philippines as an investment hub in the European nation, where various business agreements are expected to be signed. He is set to attend business forums and meet with German companies to tackle the country’s impressive economic performance and conducive economic investment environment.

During the Working Visit, the Chief Executive is also expected to meet with thousands of Filipinos living and working in Germany in a Filipino community gathering in Berlin.

After his working visit to Germany, President Marcos Jr. proceeds to Prague, Czech Republic for a state visit.

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