Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced Thursday that he had a phone conversation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to explore avenues for enhancing defense and economic ties between the Philippines and Germany.

According to Philippines News Agency, President Marcos shared details of the call in a Facebook post, highlighting discussions on strengthening defense and economic cooperation, addressing regional issues collaboratively, and creating more opportunities for the citizens of both nations. He expressed gratitude to Chancellor Merz for the invitation to revisit Germany in the near future.

Germany holds a significant position as one of the Philippines' primary trade partners within the European Union and maintains a robust bilateral relationship with the country. The two nations have been actively engaged in dialogues focusing on maritime security, renewable energy cooperation, and efforts to promote regional peace and development.

President Marcos previously traveled to Germany in March 2024, where he held meetings with then-chancellor Olaf Scholz, as well as German officials and business leaders, to foster economic ties and bolster cooperation in areas such as energy, maritime security, and labor mobility.