Marcos departs for Berlin, Prague

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos left yesterday for Germany and the Czech Republic on what he said marks a “pivotal moment” in his administration’s efforts to seek stronger ties and collaborations with other countries.

In his departure statement, Marcos said the Philippines has enjoyed “long” and “robust” relations with the two European countries, describing them as “important” partners.

“My visit marks a pivotal moment in our efforts to continuously deepen bilateral relations and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation with Germany and the Czech Republic, and indeed the world,” the President said in a prepared speech delivered at the Villamor Air Base. “I’m confident that this visit will yield fruitful outcomes.”

Marcos is undertaking the visit upon the invitation of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Czech President Petr Pavel. His working visit to Germany from March 12 to 13 and state visit to Czech Republic from March 14 to 15 will be his 24th overseas trip since becoming president in 2022.

“During our time in Germany and the Czech Republic, we will underscore our unwavering commitment to strengthening partnerships with like-minded countries promoting the rules-based international order, which serves as the cornerstone of global peace and of stability,” Marcos said. “We will also focus on expanding economic cooperation, opening up more avenues for mutually beneficial trade and investment opportunities,” he added.

Marcos said both Germany and the Czech Republic share an affinity for the Philippines’ national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. He added that Rizal’s affection for Germany and its people was evident in his many travels abroad.

The President noted that Berlin, Germany’s capital, is where Rizal’s first novel Noli me Tangere was published.

According to Marcos, Rizal also found a kindred spirit in Ferdinand Blumentritt, who was born in Prague, the capital of Czech Republic, noting that the last letter Rizal wrote before his execution was addressed to Blumentritt.

Marcos said he wishes to tap Germany’s expertise in renewable energy to assist the Philippines in its energy transition efforts and on manufacturing, health care, agriculture, aerospace, innovation and startups, IT-BPM and minerals processing.

The Philippines, he added, wants to harness the Czech Republic’s expertise in agriculture, manufacturing, especially in the automotive industry, transportation, renewable energy, space and scientific instruments.

Marcos was accompanied by First Lady Liza Marcos.

Also in the Philippine delegation are Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, Speaker Martin Romualdez, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Garafil and Department of Migrant Workers officer-in-charge Hans Leo Cacdac. — Alexis Romero