PBBM arrives in Berlin to boost PH-Germany bilateral ties

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has arrived in Berlin to start his three-day working visit to improve the bilateral relations between the Philippines and Germany.

Marcos, along with First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos and members of the Philippine delegation, arrived at Brandenburg International Airport in Berlin on Monday at 9:49 p.m. local time (4:49 a.m. Tuesday in Manila), the Presidential Communications Office said.

They were welcomed by Philippine Ambassador to Germany Irene Susan Natividad and select personnel from the Philippine Embassy.

While in Berlin, the President will meet with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz where several agreements will be signed.

In his departure speech Monday afternoon, Marcos said among the agreements to be signed with Germany is the Joint Declaration of Intent on Strengthening Maritime Cooperation and the Cooperation Programme between the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training.

He added that the Philippines intends to tap Germany's expertise in renewable energy to assist the country in the energy transition efforts and various sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, aerospace, innovation and startups, IT-BPM, and mineral processing.

The President is also expected to meet with the Filipino community in Berlin.

After Germany, Marcos will head to the Czech Republic for a two-day state visit. (PNA)