Marcos: Germany, Czech Republic supportive of PH-EU free trade

PRAGUE—President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Friday expressed confidence that Germany and the Czech Republic are in support of the resumption of negotiations between the Philippines and the European Union (EU) regarding free trade among nations.

"Well you know when they talk about the FTA (Free Trade Agreement) with the EU, they are consistent in their positioning and yes, they say that yes, we are very much in favor of that. And yes, walang, parang, you know, this is part of the focus that EU is bringing on ASEAN and the Indo Pacific," Marcos said during his Kapihan with the Media in the Czech capital.

"At least economically. Well also in other senses, talagang ang tingin talaga sa region natin, magiging driver ulit ng world economy. And that's really what we are trying to be part of. So that's why I think EU has shown a particular interest in ASEAN, in Asia, in the Indo-Pacific," he added.

Marcos had just concluded a working visit in Berlin, while he is currently wrapping up his state visit in Prague.

The President said the free trade agreement has always been raised when dealing with EU member states as it is necessary for discussions on partnerships and joint ventures.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, meanwhile, could not provide a definite time as to when the negotiations will be concluded.

To recall, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had announced that the EU and the Philippines are relaunching negotiations for an FTA as both parties will work on setting the "right conditions."

The exploratory FTA talks between the Philippines and the EU began in 2013, while the launching of negotiations was announced in December 2015.

The first FTA negotiations were held in Brussels, Belgium in 2016, followed by second round negotiations in Cebu, Philippines in 2017. The FTA talks have been idle since. — VDV, GMA Integrated News