Marcos Jr. returns from Germany, Czech Republic trips, eyes FTA talks

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has returned to Manila after successful state visits to Germany and the Czech Republic, which he said strengthened bonds and created opportunities for cooperation and prosperity.

The trips resulted in the signing of several agreements and secured support from Germany and the Czech Republic to resume negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and the Philippines.

During his visit to Prague, Marcos Jr. met with Czech President Petr Pavel and Prime Minister Petr Fiala, witnessing the signing of a Joint Communiqué to establish a labor consultation mechanism between the Department of Migrant Workers and the Czech Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.

Discussions between the Philippines and the Czech Republic covered potential collaborations in trade, investments, agriculture, green economy, renewable energy, space, aerospace, education, tourism, and defense.

The President also promoted the Philippines as a tourist destination to Czech nationals, commemorating 50 years of bilateral relations between the two countries.

In Germany, Marcos Jr. met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and discussed matters of mutual concern, particularly the upholding of the rule of law and the promotion of a rules-based international order.

The visit to Berlin also marked the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Philippines' bilateral ties with Germany and the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations.