In a letter to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo dated 21 December 2003, German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer condoled with the President and the Filipino people on the recent tragedy in Leyte and Mindanao caused by rains and landslides.

“Our sympathy is addressed to the victims and their families and to everyone who lost their properties by the natural catastrophe,” the letter stated.

In response, Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Domingo Albert expressed appreciation for the concern and support of the Foreign Minister and the German people.

Secretary Albert also handed personally a donation of P60,000 representing the Department of Foreign Affairs personnel’s contribution for the victims and their families to the President.