Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday welcomed German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to Malaca±ang, with both leaders highlighting shared support for a rules-based international order and deeper cooperation in security, trade, climate action, and maritime affairs. Steinmeier's trip marks the first visit by a German head of state to the Philippines in 63 years.

According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos expressed the Philippines' eagerness to expand cooperation with Germany in both bilateral and multilateral fields. During their bilateral meeting, he noted the alignment of both countries on significant global issues and their shared concerns over challenges impacting peace and stability. Steinmeier emphasized the close alignment between Manila and Berlin on international issues, despite the long gap between presidential visits, and expressed commitment to defending the rules-based order and international law.

The German president disclosed that his historic visit was initially planned for March but was postponed due to tensions in the Middle East and the temporary closure of airspace in the Gulf region. The two leaders are expected to discuss key areas including defense cooperation, peacebuilding initiatives, maritime collaboration, trade and investment, climate change, renewable energy, and people-to-people exchanges. They are also set to exchange views on regional and international developments.

The visit occurs amidst growing cooperation between Manila and European partners on maritime security and promoting a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region.