France eyes more maritime interactions in PH to promote peace

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jul 17, 2023): France eyes more maritime interactions in PH to promote peace

FRANCE IS planning to increase its maritime interactions in the Indo-Pacific and the Philippines with the deployment of more naval assets, including the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier in 2025.

During the Bastille Day reception at a Makati City hotel on Friday night, outgoing French Ambassador Michele Boccoz reiterated Paris’ interest to work with like-minded states in promoting peace and stability amid growing geopolitical tensions and uncertainties in the region.

“We’re planning the deployments for the next few years little by little but we will have more important visits of carriers, aircraft carriers, and others. The preparations are underway,” she told reporters in an interview.

Boccoz said France would also work closely with Manila on capacity building and technology transfers.

This year, France participated for the first time as an observer in the “Balikatan” military exercises and joined the multilateral “Sama-Sama” (Together) exercises, which sought commitment towards ensuring free and open seas.

Last month, the French Navy Destroyer Lorraine docked in Manila for a goodwill visit before its commissioning.

According to Boccoz, France will send a full-time resident defense attaché to the Philippines this year, signaling its increased interest in the area.

“I believe deeply in this relationship. As you know, France is an Indo- Pacific nation with two million inhabitants in this zone, so close to the Philippines geographically and in terms of values. We believe deeply in democracy, a rules-based international order, and diplomacy,” she said. (Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

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