Philippine German Relations

I am back from a three days visit in Manila full of meetings, especially with Deputy Head of Mission (German Embassy) Mr. Michael Hasper.

Soon, I will be meeting the new appointed German Ambassador to the Philippines, Mr. Thomas Ossowski.

While staying in Manila, "Europe Day" had been celebrated. Europe Day was formally recognize by the European Parliament in 2008. Also known as Schumann Day, Europe Day commemorates the historical declaration by French Foreign Minister Robert Schumann proposing the creation of a European Coal and Stell Community which ultimately became the European Union (EU). The event is an annual celebration of peace and unity in Europe.

Various forms of activities such as parades, exhibitions, seminars, and parties have been held during Europe Day in member states of the European Union. The holiday is an opportunity to educate people on history of the EU and promote support for the region's integration.

Important institutions of EU are the European Commission, the Council of the European Union, the Court of Justice of the EU  and the European Central Bank. The European Parliament is elected every five years by member states' citizens - in 2014 on May 25.

Later this is year, in October,another great event is coming up. German Chancellor Angela Merkel is expected to visit the Philippines to cap the 60th year of di0plomatic relations between the Philippines and Germany. A diplomatic source said Merkel already agreed to accept President Aquino's invitation to visit Manila.

So, the Philippines and Germany will celebrate the 60th anniversary of establishment of their diplomatic relations.

Philippine German relations are excisting since long time, although the existence of a German Community in the Philippines during the years before 1836 was impossible. The Royal Decree of February 2, 1800 prohibited foreigners to reside in the Philippines. In 1844, another royal decree prohibited foreigners even to travel to the Philippines under any pretext wathsoever. It was evident that Spain wanted to keep foreigners out of Philippine soil, believing in some way, that the Philippines a dollar gained by a foreigner was one taken from the pocket of a Spaniard.

Once upon a time... . Time had changed.

(Pre-published in my column "IN MY OPINION" in Mindanao Daily Mirror from 16th May 2014!)