President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Tuesday reaffirmed the growing partnership between the Philippines and Germany, highlighting expanded cooperation in defense, maritime security, trade, renewable energy, labor, and regional security following bilateral talks in Malacañang.
The two leaders witnessed the exchange of signed agreements between their countries before holding a joint press conference at the President’s Hall in Malacañang Palace. Steinmeier’s visit marks the first official visit of a German president to the Philippines in more than six decades.
Marcos described the visit as a significant milestone in Philippine-German relations and a reflection of Berlin’s commitment to strengthening ties with Manila.
"It is my honor and pleasure to welcome President Steinmeier today in Malacañang Palace, the first visit of a German president to the Philippines in over 60 years. The President's visit is a clear indication of Germany's commitment to sustain the momentum of high-level exchanges between our two countries," Marcos said.
During their meeting, the leaders discussed cooperation on peace and development, defense, maritime affairs, economic relations, climate action, renewable energy, and labor mobility.
Marcos noted that Germany remains the Philippines’ largest trading and investment partner within the European Union, with bilateral trade reaching approximately $5.5 billion and net foreign direct investments totaling $10.26 million in 2025. He also cited the presence of major German firms operating in the country, including Siemens, Lufthansa Technik, Deutsche Bank, Bayer, and Bosch.
On defense and security, Marcos underscored Germany’s role as a key partner, particularly through its participation as an observer in the Balikatan exercises since 2024 and its support for a rules-based international order.
"I thank Germany specifically for consistently and publicly expressing its support for Philippine efforts to uphold the rule of law in the South China Sea, including by calling on all parties to abide by the final and binding 2016 Arbitral Award," the President said.
Marcos also expressed appreciation for Germany’s assistance in modernizing the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) through the provision of Airbus H-145 helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as its support for ongoing negotiations toward a Philippines-European Union Free Trade Agreement.
The President further highlighted the contribution of the roughly 45,000 Filipinos living in Germany, particularly healthcare professionals, engineers, finance workers, and information technology specialists, describing them as an important bridge between the two nations.
Looking ahead, Marcos said both countries remain committed to expanding cooperation across various sectors and addressing shared regional and global challenges.
"The Philippines looks forward to continuing to enhance our partnership with Germany in the years ahead," Marcos said, adding that he hopes Steinmeier returns to Germany with “renewed vigor to pursue further areas of cooperation” built on more than 70 years of friendship and diplomatic relations.
