PH set to sign maritime agreement with Germany — DFA

Flags of the Philippines and Germany | INQUIRER STOCK PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is set to sign a maritime agreement with Germany during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s official visit this month, said a Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) official on Friday.

The President will visit Germany and the Czech Republic from March 11 to March 15.

READ: Marcos leaving for Germany, Czech Republic next week

“In Germany, in terms of government to government agreements, there will be a joint declaration of intent (JDI) on strengthening cooperation in maritime sector, which will be signed by both country’s transportation agencies. This JDI seeks to facilitate maritime trade, and mobility of Philippine and German owned vessels,” said DFA Office of European Affairs Asec. Maria Elena Algabre in a Palace briefing.

Algabre explained that the commercial agreement would facilitate the movement of maritime trade.

Filipinos seafarers comprise a third of the all the world’s seafarers, said Algabre.

READ: Czech Republic offers marine vessels to secure PH waters

There will also be a signing of the cooperation program on Technical and Vocational Education and Training between the Philippines’ Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and the German Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training.

During Marcos’ stay in the European countries, Marcos will meet with government and business leaders. He is also set to meet with the Filipino communities.