Marcos, German Chancellor hold phone call on defense, trade ties

By Darryl John Esguerra, Philippine News Agency

STRENGTHENING PH-GERMANY TIES. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. speaks to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the phone on Thursday (July 31, 2025) to discuss key areas of cooperation between the Philippines and Germany. The President also thanked the Chancellor for inviting him to visit Germany again soon. (Photo: Bongbong Marcos/Facebook)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Thursday he spoke over the phone with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to discuss ways to strengthen the defense and economic cooperation between the Philippines and Germany.

“Just had a good conversation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz,” Marcos said in a Facebook post.

“We talked about strengthening our defense and economic cooperation, working together on regional issues, and creating more opportunities for our people.”

The President said he also thanked Merz “for the kind invitation to visit Germany again soon.”

Germany is one of the Philippines’ leading trade partners in the European Union and a strong bilateral partner.

Both countries have been engaging in dialogue on maritime security, renewable energy cooperation, and regional peace and development efforts.

Marcos last visited Germany in March 2024, where he met with then-chancellor Olaf Scholz, German officials, and business leaders to promote economic ties and strengthen cooperation in energy, maritime security, and labor mobility.