Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Sunday cited the just-concluded visit of President Marcos to Germany and the Czech Republic for securing immense benefits for the country and the people.
Romualdez noted the solid support expressed by leaders of the two countries for the protection of the Philippine sovereignty and rights in the West Philippine Sea, as well as the billions of dollars’ worth of investment deals and agreements forged that would create thousands of jobs for Filipinos.
“The immensely beneficial outcomes of President Marcos’ trip to Germany and the Czech Republic starkly demonstrates the crucial rule of personal interaction between leaders of nations in enhancing bilateral relations and advancing national interest,” the Speaker said.
“Face-to-face interactions allow leaders to develop personal relationships and build trust with each other. Trust is a fundamental component of international relations, and personal interactions can help leaders understand each other’s perspectives, intentions, and concerns better,” he added.
Both German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Czech Republic President Petr Pavel emphasized their country’s support for the Philippines’ stance on the observance of rules-based order, particularly under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), in the West Philippine Sea.
“Aside from the official statements issued, these personal meetings between leaders serve as powerful symbols of cooperation and goodwill, sending a strong and unmistakable signal to domestic audiences and the international community alike their solid commitment to advance the common interests of their countries,” Romualdez said.
“In statecraft, as well as in business, successful personal interactions between leaders can create momentum for further engagement and cooperation between their respective countries, leading to sustained progress in bilateral relations,” he noted.
In a meeting with Chancellor Scholz, the Chief Executive discussed matters on enhancing cooperation in peace and development, maritime, climate change, labor, trade and investment—especially in green energy initiatives—and the protection of the rights and welfare of Filipinos in the European country.
During his three-day working visit to Germany alone, the President bagged at least $4 billion or P220 billion worth of investment deals from eight different types of agreements.
Apart from Pavel, he also met with Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala Senate President Miloš Vystrčil, and Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Markéta Pekarová Adamová while at the Czech Republic.
“In statecraft, as well as in business, successful personal interactions between leaders can create momentum for further engagement and cooperation between their respective countries, leading to sustained progress in bilateral relations,” he noted.