Metro Manila, Philippines— Germany reaffirmed its commitment to “enhanced defense cooperation” with the Philippines during the courtesy call of German Federal Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius to President Bongbong Marcos on Monday, August 5.
This is the first visit of a German defense minister to Manila. Pistorius highlighted the need to work and stand together for a rules-based international order.
“We would like to have a security agreement, defense agreement between our two countries. We will try to sign until the end of the year,” Pistorius told Marcos.
For his part, Marcos thanked Germany for its continued commitment to peace and international law. He added that communication with Germany will remain open.
“We are beyond grateful for Germany for continuing to support a rules-based international law,” said Marcos.
Ahead of the Palace call, Pistorius held a meeting with Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro.
Both ministers emphasized the importance of advocating for principled and sustainable peace that is firmly anchored on international law.
“The ministers strongly opposed any unilateral attempt to advance expansive claims, especially through force or coercion,” Teodoro and Pistorius said in a joint statement.
“Both ministers committed to conclude a broader arrangement on defense cooperation, which will expand the scope of mutually beneficial cooperation between the Philippines and Germany into new areas,” they added.
