By Monsi A. Serrano
Ongoing discussions on an agreement for the exchange and protection of classified information underscore the expanding defense partnership between the Philippines and Germany, as both countries elevate their cooperation to meet the region’s evolving security challenges.
German Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr. Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke, said the talks reflect growing trust and the shared resolve to uphold peace, stability, and a rules-based international order.
“Security cannot be achieved alone—it must be built through cooperation with trusted partners. The Philippines is one of them,” he said.
Speaking at the 9th anniversary celebration of the 2016 Arbitral Award won by the Philippines against China, Ambassador Pfaffernoschke reaffirmed Germany’s support for the Philippines’ adherence to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
“The Arbitral Award is not only a victory for the Philippines, but for international law. Germany stands with the Philippines in asserting its sovereign rights under UNCLOS,” he said.
Stronger ties built on milestones
Ambassador Pfaffernoschke also cited several milestones that are redefining the two countries’ defense relations, including:
- The first-ever visit of a German Defense Minister to the Philippines in 2024,
- The German Navy’s historic port call in Manila after more than two decades,
- And the signing of the Philippine-German Defense Cooperation Arrangement in May 2025 by Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and German Federal Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius.
“We are entering a new phase of defense collaboration—one that reflects mutual trust, shared values, and a common responsibility to contribute to regional stability,” he noted.
Beyond exercises: Institutional and capacity building
The Ambassador emphasized that the partnership goes beyond joint drills and ceremonial visits. It includes:
- Staff-level defense policy talks between the Philippine Department of National Defense and Germany’s Ministry of Defense,
- Training programs in Germany for Philippine military officers,
- Continued German participation in multilateral exercises such as BALIKATAN,
- And the aforementioned development of a potential agreement on intelligence and classified data exchange.
“These efforts are aimed at strengthening the Philippines’ defense capabilities while reinforcing Germany’s commitment to peace and maritime security in the Indo-Pacific,” he added.
“We are optimistic that this partnership will continue to grow in strength and substance for the benefit of our nations and the wider international community,” Ambassador Pfaffernoschke said.
