Germany, Philippines to finalize defense cooperation agreement

Germany and the Philippines announced on Sunday that they are working on a defense cooperation agreement, set to be signed later this year, aimed at expanding training between their armed forces and enhancing armaments cooperation.

Strengthening external defenses

The Philippines has been actively seeking to bolster its external defenses in light of escalating tensions with China in the disputed South China Sea.

This agreement is part of a broader effort by the Philippines to sign defense cooperation deals with other nations.

During a visit to the Philippines capital Manila, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro issued a joint statement expressing strong opposition to any unilateral attempts to advance expansive claims through force or coercion.

They emphasized the importance of enhancing bilateral defense relations to address security challenges in both Asia and the Pacific, and Europe.

Recognizing the wide array of opportunities for enhancing bilateral defense relations in light of security challenges that both countries face, the ministers committed to conclude a broader arrangement on defense cooperation

The ministers said in their statement

They committed to establishing long-term relations between their armed forces, expanding training cooperation, and increasing bilateral exchanges.

Expanding armaments cooperation

The ministers also intend to explore further opportunities for expanding bilateral armaments cooperation and engaging in joint projects. German Defense Minister indicated that the defense cooperation agreement might be signed as early as October.

Addressing the press, Pistorius emphasized that the enhanced cooperation is not directed at any specific country, despite the Philippines’ ongoing dispute with China over the South China Sea.

All countries must be able to enjoy freedom of navigation, regardless of economic strength or geographic size. This is what we stand up for together with our partners

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius