Defense ministers of the Philippines and Germany signed on Wednesday an arrangement to advance the bilateral defense partnership between the two countries.

Assistant Defense Secretary Arsenio Andolong said the arrangement was signed by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. and German Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius in Berlin on May 14.

Andolong said "the signing came after the visit of Defense Minister Pistorius to the Philippines in August 2024, wherein Secretary Teodoro and Minister Pistorius agreed to pursue an overarching framework to advance bilateral defense partnership, pursuant to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s directive on strengthening the country’s international ties."

"The Arrangement builds on the 1974 Administrative Agreement concerning Training of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel in Germany, one of the longest defense cooperation framework of the Philippines with another country, and expands cooperation between the two defense and military establishments in the fields of cyber security, defense armaments and logistics, and United Nations (UN) peacekeeping, among others," he said.

"After the signing, both defense ministers will convene the 3rd Philippines-Germany Security and Defense Staff Talks to review and concretize proposed joint activities and initiatives to be implemented under the said arrangement in the coming year," he added.

As the Philippines continue to navigate complex regional challenges, particularly in the West Philippine Sea, National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo Ano welcome the signing of the new defense arrangement which "underscores the importance of fostering robust defense and security partnerships with like-minded nations that uphold the rules-based international order, sovereignty, and peaceful coexistence among nations"

"Germany’s commitment to deeper cooperation with the Philippines not only affirms our strengthening bilateral ties but also reflects the growing support of the

international community for our principled stand in upholding maritime rights and freedoms under international law. We are committed to ensuring the full and effective implementation of this agreement through sustained dialogue and meaningful cooperation," he said.

"The Philippines remains steadfast in supporting initiatives that build national resilience, promote regional stability, and protect our country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity," he added.

It can be recalled that the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Germany was marked last year. Robina Asido/DMS