The Indo-Pacific now stands at the forefront of geopolitics as new challenges arise on both regional and international fronts. Its strategic importance for trade, security, and political influence is now widely acknowledged, attracting like-minded states to forge partnerships within the region. Given this critical significance, the protection of a rules-based international order is an urgent priority for all nations. The Philippines and Germany exemplify this shared commitment, demonstrating the need for collaborative efforts to ensure stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
In 2024, the Philippines and Germany celebrated 70 years of diplomatic relations, marking several historic milestones in their partnership. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz signed a Joint Declaration of Intent on Cooperation in the Maritime Sector, underscoring their shared commitment to peace in the West Philippine Sea. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, the first German defense minister to visit the Philippines, and Philippine Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro also agreed to formalize a defense pact to broaden the scope of military cooperation.
For the first time, Germany was invited to participate as an observer in the Philippines’ Balikatan 2024 exercises, underscoring the deepening defense ties between the two nations. Additionally, two German Navy ships docked at the Port of Manila, marking the country’s return to Philippine shores after more than 20 years. These initiatives signal the beginning of a fresh chapter in their defense collaboration. As one of the Philippines’ oldest defense partners since 1974, Germany is poised to explore further opportunities for cooperation as both nations enter a new era in foreign defense policy in 2025.
Given this, the Stratbase Institute, in partnership with Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Philippines, hosted a forum entitled “70 years of Philippine-German Relations: A New Era of Defense Cooperation” on 20 May 2025 (Tuesday) at 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM in Manila House Private Club, 8/F Seven/NEO Building, 5th Ave., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
The event aims to facilitate discussions between Philippine and German defense and foreign officials on a potential defense agreement. By bringing together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders, it seeks to generate insights and recommendations that will strengthen bilateral defense cooperation and promote a unified, assertive approach to security challenges in the West Philippine Sea.
Stratbase Institute 