President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. renewed the vibrant diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Germany on Monday as he welcomed German Federal Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius at Malacañan Palace.

In his opening remarks, President Marcos affirmed that the Philippines and Germany are close allies and partners in many aspects.

The President thanked Germany for its continued support to the country.

“Thank you, and I am very happy you have a chance to meet with Secretary Gilbert,” President Marcos said, referring to the meeting between Pistorius and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro on Sunday.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. was also present during the meeting.

Minister Pistorius arrived in the Philippines on August 3 for a three-day visit, making him the first German Defense Minister to visit the country.

His visit to the Philippines is part of a broader tour of the Indo-Pacific region, which included stops in Hawaii and South Korea before arriving in the Philippines.

For his part, Minister Pistorius thanked President Marcos for the warm welcome. He described his meeting with Filipino officials as “very trustful [and] very candid.” He said Germany is ready to work together with the Philippines.

Diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Germany were established on October 8, 1954. PND