Berlin: Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo is set to embark on an official visit to Germany and the United Kingdom from February 14 to 19, as announced by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday. Manalo's itinerary includes discussions with international partners on regional developments and strategies to enhance bilateral relations.

According to Philippines News Agency, the visit is strategically timed, following the 70th anniversary of the Philippines' bilateral relations with Germany celebrated last year, and preceding the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom next year. The visits aim to reaffirm Manila's commitment to upholding a rules-based international order and adherence to the rule of law.

Manalo will participate in the 61st Munich Security Conference (MSC) from February 14 to 16, where he will deliver remarks during a roundtable discussion titled "Making Waves: Maritime Tensions in the Indo-Pacific." The DFA confirmed that Manalo will meet with several of his counterparts, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and European Commission Vice-President and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas.

The MSC is a significant forum for debate and dialogue on international security policy, attracting foreign ministers, defense ministers, business leaders, think tanks, and civil society members. Following his engagements in Munich, Manalo will travel to London for bilateral meetings with UK officials.

While in London, Manalo will engage with the corporate network of Asia House and participate in an interactive dialogue with members of Chatham House. Asia House is an independent think tank and advisory services organization that facilitates high-level dialogues between companies and governments across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Meanwhile, Chatham House is one of the oldest and most renowned think tanks globally, known for hosting speaking engagements with prominent government leaders.