DAVAO CITY — Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte welcomed German Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Dr. Andreas Pfaffernoschke, during a courtesy call on Thursday, July 30, marking the envoy’s first official visit to Davao City.

The meeting reaffirmed the strong and growing relationship between Germany and Davao City, with discussions focusing on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, renewable energy, sustainability, and economic development.

Mayor Duterte thanked the ambassador for visiting Davao and expressed optimism that the city’s partnership with Germany would translate into concrete investments and long-term collaborations that would benefit Dabawenyos.

Adding a personal dimension to the meeting, Mayor Duterte shares German ancestry through the Zimmermann side of his family, making the visit a meaningful exchange that reflected not only diplomatic ties but also a historical and cultural connection.

Earlier in the day, the German Embassy in the Philippines, in partnership with the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI), hosted the Regional Green Investment Dialogue at Dusit Thani Residence Davao.

The forum gathered German companies, investors, business leaders, and government stakeholders to explore opportunities in renewable energy, green technology, climate resilience, and sustainable infrastructure—areas where Davao City continues to position itself as a key investment destination in Mindanao.

Mayor Duterte welcomed Germany’s continued interest in Davao, emphasizing that the city remains committed to fostering an investment-friendly environment while pursuing sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

The courtesy call concluded with both sides expressing hope for stronger collaboration in the years ahead, opening new opportunities for partnerships that will further deepen the long-standing friendship between Germany and the Philippines, with Davao City serving as a vital gateway for cooperation in Mindanao.