(AseanAll) — Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A. Manalo met with German Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock in Manila on January 11, 2024. The visit marks the first visit by a German Federal Foreign Minister to the Philippines in over a decade.
Key discussions revolved around political and economic relations, with focus on Germany’s peace initiatives and development cooperation with the Philippines, and the two countries’ shared dedication to the rules-based international order.
The two top diplomats explored avenues to boost bilateral trade, promote investments, and foster maritime cooperation. Labor cooperation was also discussed during the meeting, with specific focus on the placement of skilled Filipino workers and other professionals to live and work in Germany.
They exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues, encompassing climate policy, human rights, strategic partnerships, and security concerns around the world. On the issue of the South China Sea / West Philippine Sea, Manalo thanked Baerbock for Germany’s unflinching support for international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the final and legally-binding 2016 Arbitral Award.
The meeting culminated in a reaffirmed vision for enhanced cooperation as the two countries celebrate the 70thanniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year.
