PH Navy eyes stronger ties with France

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 11, 2021): PH Navy eyes stronger ties with France (By Priam Nepomuceno)

STRONG TIES. French Ambassador to the Philippines Michele Boccoz (left) receives a token of appreciation from Navy chief, Vice Adm. Adeluis Bordado (right), during her visit at the PN headquarters on Wednesday (Nov. 10, 2021). The two officials discussed various collaborations and partnerships between the PN and the French Navy, including port calls, naval exercises, and training. (Photo courtesy of Naval Public Affairs Office)

The Philippine Navy (PN) is eyeing stronger defense relations with France in the near future.

"The introductory courtesy call of the newly-designated French Ambassador to the Philippines, Her Excellency Michele Boccoz, on PN chief Vice Admiral Bordado served as an avenue for discussions centered on bolstering the defense and armed forces relations between the two countries, rule-based order, and the observance of international law in freedom of navigation," Navy spokesperson Commander Benjo Negranza said in a statement Wednesday night.

Boccoz visited the PN headquarters at Naval Station Jose Andrada in Manila and made a courtesy call on Bordado on Wednesday.

She also conveyed her pleasure of being at the PN headquarters as "maritime is an area where France and the Philippines collaborate very closely."

Meanwhile, Bordado discussed various collaborations and partnerships between the PN and the French Navy, including port calls, naval exercises, and training.

"Building a relationship with France and the PN through future engagements, training, and capability development were also among the highlights of today's courtesy call," Negranza said.

Bordado also received the newly-designated Defense Attaché of Spain to the Philippines, Col. Javier Martin Gil, who formally made his introductory courtesy call to the PN chief Wednesday.

"The Chief of Naval Staff, Commodore Caesar Bernard Valencia, and Colonel Gil had a fruitful discussion regarding possible areas of collaboration between the two country's militaries and defense. Fostering strong bilateral ties, particularly among the armed forces of the Philippines and Spain, was also one of the discussion's high points," Negranza added.

As the defense attaché of Spain to the country, Gil is responsible for the bilateral defense relations of the Philippines and Spain. He began his duties and responsibilities as defense attaché last August 1.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1159415