German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle announces more aid for Typhoon Haiyan victims during visit to the Philippine Embassy
15 November 2013, Berlin – Foreign Minister Dr. Guido Westerwelle visited the Philippine Embassy in Berlin today to convey in person his message of condolences for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan to Ambassador Maria Cleofe Natividad. FM Westerwelle also signed the condolence book in the presence of Embassy officials and gave a brief statement reiterating increased German support for relief and reconstruction in the afflicted Areas.
The Foreign Minister’s visit closely followed the telephone call between himself and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert F. del Rosario on 14 November. FM Westerwelle expressed Germany’s sympathy to SFA del Rosario in light of the devastation and promised that Germany would contribute to the reconstruction of affected Areas.
After the call, the Federal Foreign Office (FFO) released a statement that FM Westerwelle approved further 3 million euros of humanitarian aid. Coupled with the 1.5 million euros which have already been pledged, 4.5 million euros was made available for emergency humanitarian assistance. According to the FFO, the projects receiving funding include a Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement base camp, which has been erected by the German Red Cross in the region, and German aid organization measures, which aim to construct emergency shelter and restore the provision of water, medical and food supplies to the affected population.
Germany is among the first countries that immediately responded to the emergency situation in the Philippines by sending humanitarian aid and rescue and relief teams. The Philippines and Germany have long-standing bilateral diplomatic relations which will mark its 60th year in 2014. (END)
