PH eyes expanded defense agreements with Germany

Flags of the Philippines and Germany | INQUIRER STOCK PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — In the midst of heightened territorial tensions in the West Philippine Sea, the Philippines is eyeing to expand defense agreements with Germany during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to Germany.

According to Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) -Office of European Affairs Asec. Maria Elena Algabre on Friday, the Philippines and Germany already has an existing defense agreement but this was signed all the way back in 1974, and focus on the training of armed forces.

“Now, we would like to convey our interest to expand the cooperation. With the Czech Republic, we are also exploring, discussing with them on how we can also expand cooperation in areas including defense,” said Algabre.

READ: Diplomatic efforts fail: Marcos eyes radical solution in West PH Sea row

Algrabre said that Marcos’ upcoming visits to Germany and the Czech Republic on March 11 to 15 can be attributed to the countries being like minded with the Philippines.

The DFA official said that the West Philippine Sea will be tackled during Marcos’ meeting with the countries’ top officials.

“We share values for democracy, human rights and the rule of law – including in the promotion of an open, inclusive, international rules-based order. Yes, the President will have an exchange on how both could work together in maintaining an international rules-based order,” said Algabre.

READ: Marcos vows ‘pushback’ if sovereignty over WPS ‘questioned, ignored’

Tensions in the West Philippine Sea have worsened during the term of Marcos, as China continuously encroaches on Philippine territory.

The President said that the Philippines would push back if Philippine sovereignty is questioned.