President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. PHOTO: Jean Mangaluz / INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines— President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. left Villamor Airbase in Pasay City on Monday afternoon to begin his Central European trip scheduled from March 11 to March 15.
The President is visiting Germany for a state visit and afterward, to the Czech Republic for an official visit. He will speak to business and political leaders from both nations.
READ: Marcos leaving for Germany, Czech Republic next week
“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,” said Marcos in his departure speech.
“We will also focus on expanding economic cooperation, opening up more avenues for mutually beneficial trade and investment opportunities,” he added.
Marcos said he wishes to tap Germany’s expertise in renewable energy, manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, information technology, and minerals processing.
READ: PH eyes expanded defense agreements with Germany
While in Germany, Marcos will oversee several agreements, including an expanded defense cooperation with the European country.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs-Office of European Affairs Asec. Maria Elena Algabre, the Philippines and Germany already have a defense agreement. However, the agreement was signed in 1974, and focuses on armed forces training.
“We would like to convey our interest to expand the cooperation,” said Algabre in a previous press briefing.
These visits to Germany and the Czech Republic mark Marcos’ fourth and fifth countries to travel to in 2024, respectively.
Marcos has traveled to Brunei, Vietnam, and Australia. He went to Australia twice this year, once for a two-day state visit on February 29 and the second, to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Australia Special Summit last March 4 to 6.