The Philippines and Germany reaffirmed their commitment to promoting rules-based international order and respect for international law, the Palace said Tuesday.

In a joint press conference Tuesday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said his bilateral meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin was “productive and insightful”.

He also said the Philippines has expressed its openness to cooperate with Germany into new areas such as cyber and maritime domain. He likewise thanked Germany for its continued support for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), according to a Palace press statement.

Marcos also thanked Scholz for his continued support for international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

“Our shared commitment to international law strengthens our partnership and creates a favorable atmosphere for working together on global issues,” he said.

Meanwhile, Scholz expressed support for the Philippine government in protecting its rights in the West Philippine Sea, the Palace said.

“I believe it to be important to each and every one, adheres to the legislation in place. We’ve talked about this today, as I said, and I made it clear that we support Philippines in ensuring that the rights are being protected,” Scholz told Marcos.

In response, Marcos reiterated that he will continue to uphold the country’s sovereignty.

Marcos is in Germany for a working visit.

The meeting between Marcos and Scholz also coincided with the 70th anniversary of Philippines-Germany diplomatic relations, which was formally established on October 8, 1954.

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