Marcos, Merz discuss defense, economy during call
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. held a phone call with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday, July 31, to discuss strengthening bilateral defense and economic cooperation.
The leaders focused on key areas of collaboration including regional issues and creating opportunities for their citizens, building upon the May-signed defense agreement that lays the groundwork for cybersecurity, defense armaments, logistics, and UN peacekeeping.
Germany remains the Philippines' top trading partner in the European Union, particularly in IT-based services, with significant investments by German companies in the maritime sector.
Chancellor Merz invited President Marcos Jr. to visit Germany again soon, following his previous working trip on March 12-13, 2024, which coincided with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
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