BERLIN — The Philippines and Germany have signed a Joint Declaration of Intent to boost the maritime sector between the two nations’ transport agencies.
In his statement, President Marcos, together with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, welcomed the signing of the declaration, citing the initiatives as a way to bolster bilateral partnership.
“Before my arrival in Germany, the Joint Declaration of Intent on
Strengthening Cooperation in the Maritime Sector between our
countries’ transport agencies was signed,” President Marcos said.
“I am heartened by Germany’s increased interest in enhancing maritime cooperation between our countries, and I welcome more initiatives to enrich this partnership,” he added.
He also thanked Berlin’s commitment to supporting defense cooperation which includes support in personnel training of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, discussion on cyber and maritime domains, and bolstering of the Philippine Coast Guard’s maritime capacity.
“I also expressed our appreciation for Germany’s continuous support
for the capacity-building of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG),” he
added.
Germany previously pledged to donate additional drones to enhance the maritime surveillance capabilities in the West Philippine Sea.
Financed by a 129-million-euro (P7.9 billion) aid package from Berlin, these drones will function as reconnaissance assets for the Philippine Coast Guard in the contested region.
“On defense cooperation, Germany has been providing training for the personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) since 1974, making Germany the second oldest formal defense partner of the Philippines,” Mr. Marcos said.
“I expressed the Philippine government’s openness to discussions on
cooperation that goes beyond training and into new areas such as cyber and maritime domains,” he added.