A partnership for the 21st century

These days Germany and the Philippines celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations. On this occasion we are looking back, take stock and prepare for the future development of our ties. While the friendship between Germany and the Philippines goes back a long way, our countries are close partners.  In a globalized world we jointly face challenges in the political, economic and environmental field.President Benigno Aquino visited Germany on the invitation of Chancellor Angela Merkel just a few weeks ago by which he gave a strong impetus to further strengthen the ties between our countries.

Intellectual and emotional bonds were established when Dr. José Rizal lived in Germany in the outgoing 19th century. In Heidelberg, where he practiced as an eye doctor, he encountered the romantic Germany as his poem “A Las Flores De Heidelberg” shows so esthetically. In Berlin he witnessed that ideas on political and individual freedom, citizen and social rights as well as principles of rule of law gained ground in Europe. Here Dr. Rizal finished and published his famous book “Noli Me  Tangere” which became so important for the Philippine fight for independence. In his message on the Day of German Unity President Aquino emphasized: “Dr. Rizal was no doubt inspired by the progressive values he witnessed during the Germany of his age — values that both our countries hold dear to this day.” Our common values found their expression in the people power revolution on EDSA in 1986. Self-confident citizens took to the streets in Manila. They were an inspiration for self-confident citizens in East-Berlin in 1989 breaking down the Berlin Wall and opening up Europe for a new era of democracy and peaceful relations among nations.

In the globalized world of the 21 century German-Philippine relations are indeed deep and broad-based. As political partners we believe in the international system and its rule-based society. We know how important this is in times when the world is haunted by more and more conflicts and crisis. Germany applauds and supports the Philippine Government in its endeavors to come to a lasting peace in Mindanao.

As economic partners our trade relations are growing. Germany is the biggest trading partner of the Philippines in the European Union. In the light of the strong growth and stable economic data in the Philippines we will work hard to strengthen investment relations and to interest German investors in the growing opportunities of this country. With the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry we have a strong partner at our side.

Since 1906 the German Club in Manila has been a place for meetings, exchange and good company. It has inspired many new ideas in shaping our relations. Our cultural partnership is fostered by the Goethe Institute and the German European School in Manila. To strengthen further our ties we would like to see many more Philippine students in Germany and discover the opportunities offered by German universities.  And finally Germany and the Philippines are strong partners in solidarity. Only together are we able to address climate change which challenges our way of life. The disastrous consequences of Typhoon Yolanda have shown us how important it is to join hands.

Germany prospered politically and economically within the European Union. It is therefore also one of our top priorities to deepen and broaden the relations between the EU and the Philippines. Our partnership and cooperation agreement (PCA) with the Philippines will hopefully enter soon into force and we are looking forward to negotiating a free trade agreement which will strengthen the overall ties between the European Union and the Philippines in the 21st century.

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(Thomas Ossowski is the Ambassador of Germany.)