President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to strengthen maritime cooperation and enhance protection for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) during his upcoming visits to Germany and the Czech Republic. Invited by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Czech Republic President Petr Pavel, Marcos embarked on his fifth and sixth foreign trips to Berlin and Prague this year.
Departing Manila on Monday, Marcos emphasized the significance of these visits in deepening relations with both nations. Key agreements include a joint declaration on maritime cooperation with Germany and a collaboration program between the Philippines’ TESDA and Germany’s BIBB.
In Prague, Marcos will engage with the Czech Republic’s constitutional heads of government and sign a joint communiqué to establish labor consultation mechanisms to enhance the safety and welfare of Filipino workers migrating to the Czech Republic.
Additionally, Marcos aims to collaborate with Berlin in renewable energy, healthcare, agriculture, aerospace, and minerals processing, while seeking Prague’s expertise in agriculture and manufacturing, particularly in the automotive sector.
Earlier this year, Marcos visited Brunei, Vietnam, and made two trips to Australia, reflecting the Philippines’ commitment to strengthening international ties and exploring avenues for cooperation across various sectors.
Source: PhilNews24 | March 12, 2024
