Philippines looking to expand defense ties with Germany

The Philippines is exploring the possibility of expanding its defense cooperation with Germany.

According to Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Maria Elena Algabre on Friday, the Philippines already has a defense cooperation agreement with Germany.

''It was signed in 1974, but it focused initially on training our armed forces. So now, we would like to convey our interest in expanding the cooperation,'' the DFA official said at a press conference ahead of President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr.'s trips to Germany and the Czech Republic next week.

''With the Czech Republic, we are also exploring/discussing with them how we can expand cooperation in areas including defense,'' she said.

Algrabre added that Germany, the Czech Republic, and the Philippines all share similar values.

''We share values for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, including in the promotion of an open, inclusive, international rules-based order,'' Algabre said.

''The President will have an exchange on how both could work together to maintain an international rules-based order. And if some of you may have noticed the recent incident in the West Philippine Sea, the German Ambassador and the Czech Ambassador issued a statement of support for the Philippines, and they are concerned about what’s happening in the area,'' she said. —VBL, GMA Integrated News