German envoy sets sights on deeper PH partnership
By Monsi A. Serrano
Germany sees growing opportunities to deepen its partnership with the Philippines through trade and investment, regional cooperation, security and climate action, German Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Dr. Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke said as Germany marked its 36th Unity Day.
Speaking at the German Unity Day celebration in Manila, Pfaffernoschke pointed to several developments in 2026 that he said demonstrate the strengthening relationship between the two countries.
Among the key milestones was the June visit of German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to the Philippines, which the ambassador described as an important step that underscored the excellent quality of bilateral relations and the values and interests shared by Germany and the Philippines.
The ambassador also welcomed the substantial conclusion of negotiations for the EU-Philippines Free Trade Agreement, describing it as a major step toward boosting trade and investment relations.
As the Philippines’ largest trade and investment partner in the European Union, Germany, he said, has consistently supported the early conclusion of the agreement.
German investment signals confidence in PH
The economic relationship was underscored by the continuing expansion of German business in the Philippines.
Pfaffernoschke highlighted Lufthansa Technik Philippines’ decision to invest several hundred million euros in a new aircraft maintenance facility in Clark, a project expected to create more than 1,000 skilled jobs for Filipino workers.
The ambassador described the investment as evidence of the strong commitment of German companies to the Philippines as a business destination and as a potential starting point for more business opportunities and cooperation.
The development comes as the Philippines seeks to attract more high-value investments and create quality employment, particularly in sectors requiring specialized skills.
From bilateral ties to ASEAN partnership
Germany’s relationship with the Philippines is also expanding into the broader ASEAN framework.
Pfaffernoschke cited Germany’s elevation to an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner in July under the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship as another significant development.
He said the new status recognizes Germany’s commitment to ASEAN while also providing an incentive, motivation and obligation to deepen engagement with the regional bloc.
The ambassador also pointed to strengthened military cooperation, including Germany’s participation in the Balikatan exercise, as well as continuing cooperation on climate change and sustainable development.
Germany’s support through its IKI and TRANSCEND programs, he said, contributes to Philippine efforts to build resilience and address the effects of climate change.
Defending a rules-based order
Beyond trade and investment, Pfaffernoschke stressed Germany’s continued commitment to the rules-based international order.
He cited Germany’s participation with like-minded partners in marking the 10th anniversary of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, describing it as a demonstration of support and solidarity with the Philippines.
“Upholding and protecting the rules-based international order, including in the South China Sea, remains our shared objective,” he said.
His remarks came against the backdrop of what he described as an increasingly difficult global environment, including Russia’s continuing war against Ukraine, tensions in the Middle East, challenges to international norms and the accelerating effects of climate change.
Yet despite these pressures, the ambassador said 2026 has also brought encouraging developments, particularly in Germany’s relationship with the Philippines.
For Germany, the message from its Unity Day celebration was therefore not only about looking back at the country’s reunification, but also looking ahead to deeper economic, diplomatic and strategic engagement with the Philippines.
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