Germans agree to 'move on' from Fraport-NAIA-3 row

German and Philippine officials have agreed not to let the Fraport row influence bilateral relations between the two countries.   Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and German counterpart Guido Westerwelle also voiced hopes they can find a way to move on from the "irritant."   "They agreed that the Fraport issue should not affect other aspects of the long and robust relations between the Philippines and Germany. Both officials expressed hope in finding a way forward to this longstanding minor irritant between the two governments," the Department of Foreign Affairs said late Thursday.   Del Rosario told his counterpart the Philippines has made "serious efforts" in arriving at a fair and just resolution on the Fraport case, using credible dispute settlement modes.   Del Rosario and Westerwelle met in Berlin on Dec. 7 to talk about ways to deepen economic, political and cultural cooperation.   It was the first official visit to Germany by a Philippine Foreign Affairs secretary in 10 years, after the late Secretary Blas Ople visited Germany.   At their meeting, Del Rosario told to Westerwelle that the Philippines regards Germany as one of its strongest economic, political and cultural partners, "and that despite the Fraport issue, trade and investment between the two countries have in fact increased."   He emphasized on the robust growth and expansion of German companies in Philippine economic zones.   German companies that have placed substantial investments in the Philippines include Deutsche Bank, Lufthansa Teknik, Contintental Temic, and STEAG.   Germany is the Philippines' 12th largest source of foreign direct investments. It also remains one of the largest investors in the country. In 2010, Germany was the Philippines' sixth largest export market, and its largest export market in Europe.   Exports to Germany totaled $2.66 billion or a 5.17 percent share of total Philippine shipments, the DFA said.   Meanwhile, del Rosario thanked Germany for its generous development  support for  poverty reduction and conflict transformation in Mindanao, which had been the focus of German development aid since 2009.   Cultural relations   Westerwelle and Del Rosario signed a Joint Declaration of Intent on cultural relations between their countries.   The declaration aims at cooperation in areas such as literary works, performing arts, film and television, museology, heritage and art conservation.   "The signing of the declaration caps this year's vibrant Philippine-German cooperation in cultural activities, which includes several projects related to the celebration of 150th birth anniversary of Philippine national hero Dr. Jóse Rizal," the DFA said. Rizal spent some time in Germany for his medical training. He also published his first novel, “Noli Me Tangere,” in the country.   Euro debt crisis   Del Rosario congratulated Westerwelle on Germany's leadership and initiatives to address the euro debt crisis, currently the biggest challenge facing the European Union.   Westerwelle expressed confidence the euro and Europe will survive the financial problems.   "Germany plays a leading role in solving this crisis because it is Europe's largest economy and is perceived by many members to be stable enough to bring a positive influence in resolving this challenge," the DFA said. — VS, GMA News