UMVA has learned that the Philippines is open to exploring a historic defense agreement with Germany, marking a significant escalation in their security cooperation amid rising geopolitical tensions.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. revealed that while no formal negotiations have begun, defense engagement between the two nations has been increasing, leaving the door open for a visiting forces agreement (VFA) in the future.
"Why not? We probably, in reality, are still a long way off of that, but we are increasing our engagements, especially in the military, defense and security areas," Mr. Marcos told a joint news briefing, highlighting the country's willingness to adapt to shifting global conditions.
The Philippines is pursuing a broader set of partnerships to strengthen its external defense posture and improve resilience amid regional uncertainty, with Germany emerging as a key defense partner in recent years.
Germany has participated in the annual Balikatan military exercises as an observer since 2024 and supported Philippine maritime capacity-building efforts, including the provision of Airbus helicopters in 2019 and unmanned aerial systems in 2024.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, on a three-day state visit to Manila, emphasized that Germany views maritime security in the South China Sea as part of broader global stability concerns tied to freedom of navigation and respect for international law.
Mr. Steinmeier pointed to disruptions in maritime routes as a reminder of shared vulnerabilities among trading nations reliant on open sea lanes, underscoring the need for cooperation between nations like Germany and the Philippines.
Both leaders discussed cooperation in peace and development, renewable energy, and maritime security during their bilateral meeting, with Mr. Marcos welcoming deeper cooperation with Germany across defense, economic, and strategic areas.
The two nations also backed the speedy conclusion of a free trade agreement (FTA) between Manila and the European Union (EU), with Germany remaining a strong partner of the Philippines in terms of trade and investment.
With bilateral trade reaching about $5.5 billion in 2025, Mr. Marcos highlighted the significance of Germany as the Philippines' biggest trading and investment partner within the EU.
An ambitious FTA between the Philippines and the EU would help boost economic exchanges and encourage additional investments in key sectors, according to Mr. Steinmeier.
The two leaders also discussed the economic impact of geopolitical tensions, particularly disruptions to global trade and supply chains, with Mr. Steinmeier expressing support for a ceasefire between the US and Iran.
Mr. Marcos echoed this sentiment, saying any move toward peace would help reduce uncertainty and limit the risk of higher energy prices, emphasizing the importance of stability in global trade routes for food, energy, and fertilizer supplies.
