MANILA, Aug 4 (Reuters) – The Philippines and Germany pledged on Sunday to sign a defense cooperation agreement this year, pledging to uphold international rules-based order in the region as tensions mount over disputed territories in the South China Sea.
Germany and Philippines pledge to reach defense pact this year 2024 #Philippines #Germany
China and the Philippines have traded accusations in recent months over clashes in the South China Sea, including allegations that China deliberately rammed Manila-bound naval vessels, seriously injuring a Filipino sailor. Beijing has disputed this, saying its actions were lawful and professional.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and his Philippine counterpart Gilberto Teodoro have pledged to build long-term relations between their armed forces to expand training and bilateral exchanges, explore opportunities to expand bilateral armaments cooperation and implement joint projects.
The meeting in Manila was the first visit by a German defense minister in this sense, as the countries have maintained diplomatic relations for 70 years.
