Marcos: Germany keen on enhanced maritime ties with PH

BERLIN—Germany has expressed “increased interest” in enhanced maritime cooperation with the Philippines, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said on Tuesday.

At a joint press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Marcos said he welcomed initiatives toward this end and cited Germany’s support for the Philippine Coast Guard.

Marcos said that a Joint Declaration of Intent on Strengthening Cooperation in the Maritime Sector between the two countries’ transport agencies was signed before his working visit.

“I am heartened by Germany’s increased interest in enhancing maritime cooperation between our countries, and I welcome more initiatives to enrich this partnership,” Marcos said.

Marcos said Germany had 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.” 

“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,” Marcos said.

Marcos stood firm that the Philippine government remains committed to addressing issues through dialogue and consultation, ”yet the Philippines, like any sovereign state, will continue to firmly defend its sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction, in accordance with international law.”

He also expressed gratitude to Scholz for Germany’s support towards international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

”Our shared commitment to international law strengthens our partnership and creates a favorable atmosphere for working together on global issues,” Marcos said. 

In January of this year, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said China’s dangerous maneuvers against Philippine vessels in the South China Sea have sparked concerns in Europe, noting that such actions violate international laws and impede freedom of navigation.

During Baerbock’s visit, key discussions revolved around political and economic relations, with a focus on Germany’s peace initiatives and development cooperation with the Philippines as well as the two countries’ commitment to the rules-based international order amid increasing tensions in the South China Sea. —NB, GMA Integrated News