MANILA – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. embarked on a journey to Central Europe on Monday for a working visit to Germany and a state visit to the Czech Republic.
In his predeparture speech at Villamor Airbase in Pasay City, the President emphasized that his trip to Germany and the Czech Republic aims to strengthen trade relations and foster cooperation with these two nations.
“Building upon the visit of Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala in April 2023 and German Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock in January this year, my visit marks a pivotal moment in our efforts to continuously deepen bilateral relations and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation with Germany and the Czech Republic and indeed the world,” he said.
The visits hold significant importance as the Philippines recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations with the Czech Republic last year and is set to commemorate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Germany this year, as noted by the President.
During his absence, Vice President Sara Duterte has been designated as caretaker from March 11 to 15, according to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).
The President’s itinerary includes being in Berlin from March 11 to March 13, followed by a state visit to the Czech Republic in Prague from March 14 to 15.
In Berlin, Marcos is scheduled to meet with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, while in Prague, he will hold separate meetings with President Petr Pavel, Prime Minister Petr Fiala, Senate President Miloš Vystrcil, and Chamber of Deputies President Markéta Pekarová Adamová.
The President will also engage with business leaders from both countries to bolster trade and investment opportunities, and will meet with Filipino communities in Germany and the Czech Republic to communicate his administration’s programs for overseas Filipinos.
These trips mark the fifth and sixth foreign engagements for the Philippine leader this year and the 24th and 25th since assuming office in 2022.
In Berlin, Marcos and Scholz will witness the signing of several agreements, including those aiming to strengthen maritime cooperation and technical skills and vocational education.
Additionally, the President plans to leverage Germany’s expertise in renewable energy to assist the Philippines in its energy transition efforts, as well as explore cooperation in various sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, aerospace, innovation, startups, IT-BPM, and mineral processing.
In the Czech Republic, Marcos will witness the signing of a joint communique on the establishment of labor consultation mechanisms aimed at ensuring the safe and orderly migration of Filipino workers and providing enhanced protection of their rights and welfare. Other agreements between the two governments are also under finalization.
“We are eager to invite German and Czech businesses to consider the Philippines as a production hub for their products,” he said. “I look forward to having productive discussions, fruitful collaboration, and memorable experiences that will further cement the enduring ties between the Philippines, and Germany and of course, the Czech Republic.”
Marcos expressed his desire to enhance people-to-people exchanges, promote cultural understanding, and reinforce the longstanding friendship between the Philippines and Germany and the Czech Republic.
During his visit, he plans to engage with Filipino communities in Berlin and Prague, which include many overseas Filipino workers. Marcos emphasized his anticipation for these meetings, stating his commitment to the welfare of Filipino communities abroad.
“It is important that as we enhance our labor cooperation with these countries, our highest priority remains the protection of the rights and welfare of our overseas Filipino workers,” he added.
Over the weekend, Philippine Ambassador to Germany Irene Susan Natividad emphasized that Marcos’ visit to Berlin would strongly prioritize securing investment and business opportunities to enhance the country’s economy.
During an interview with Radio Television Malacañang in Berlin, Natividad mentioned that discussions between the two leaders would encompass expanded maritime trade, labor opportunities, climate change, and renewable energy initiatives during the visit.
