France Inaugurates New Defense Attaché Office In Manila

From Politiko (Jun 19, 2024): France Inaugurates New Defense Attaché Office In Manila (By ROY C. MABASA)

The Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia has recently inaugurated a resident Defense Attaché Office in Manila with the designation of Captain Stéphan Litzler as the head of the newly-created office.

This development comes as a reflection of the commitment of Presidents Emmanuel Macron and Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to enhance bilateral relations.

France’s increased defense cooperation with the Philippines has already been marked by significant events this year.

Admiral Nicolas Vaujour, Chief of Staff of the French Navy, visited Manila on April 24. France also participated in the Balikatan exercise in April, deploying the frigate Vendémiaire, and the destroyer Bretagne made a port call in Manila from May 31 to June 4.

In late July, the Philippines will host the first stopover of several French combat and support aircraft, including two Rafales, as part of the French Air Force’s Pegase deployment.

Captain Litzler will lead the new office, working alongside Colonel Michel Midon, the Armament Attaché stationed in Manila since September 2023, and Command Master Sergeant Éric Thieffry, who is expected to arrive soon.

Litzler graduated from the French Naval Academy in 1997 with a Master of Science and specialized in Anti-Submarine Warfare. He served on various French naval units, becoming an expert in fleet protection tactics aboard Frigate Latouche Tréville in 2003.

Participating in major naval operations, Litzler served in headquarters roles in Bahrain, Paris, and during Operation Unified Protector.

He later focused on International Relations, working in New Caledonia, Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea, before joining the Directorate General for International Relations and Strategy in 2020.

Litzler was appointed as the French Liaison officer in Singapore and as the first European Union Liaison officer to the Information Fusion Center.

He has received numerous awards, including the Legion of Honor and the National Order of Merit. He is married to Audrey and has two children.

Earlier this year, the French Embassy moved to new premises, equipped with additional resources.

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