MANILA, Philippines — Following a phone discussion between Presidents Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Emmanuel Macron on Friday, France and the Philippines are expected to increase their exchanges on energy, food security, and defense.
“On the 75th anniversary of the two nations’ diplomatic relations, the two heads of state discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation.” They committed to deepen commerce in low-carbon energy, food security, defense, and human trade,” the Elysee Palace stated in a statement posted on its official website.
Macron informed Marcos about France’s push in the Indo-Pacific area and its adherence to international maritime law, according to the French Embassy in Manila on Saturday.
The French president introduced the International Blue Carbon Coalition, a global initiative to combat climate change by conserving and restoring coastal and marine habitats.
He also asked the Philippines to join the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People, which aspires to safeguard 30% of marine and terrestrial areas by 2030.
The Indo-Pacific policy of Paris aspires to maintain the rule of law and freedom of navigation in the region in order to encourage economic development that protects ecosystems and the planet.
On food security, Macron mentioned the steps made as part of the Food and Agriculture Resilience Mission (FARM), an initiative he started in March 2022 to address the food crisis caused by Ukraine’s war.
The phone call is expected to provide the push needed to enhance France-Philippines relations.
The Presidential News Desk (PND) here said in a separate statement that both presidents discussed views on regional and worldwide trends and look forward to meeting in person soon.
“Marcos congratulated Macron for his leadership role and diplomatic efforts to promote peace and security in Europe,” the statement said, adding that Marcos “truly valued” Macron congratulating him on his election victory on May 9, 2022.
French Ambassador Michele Boccoz recently stated that ministerial visits were planned in the next months.
France and the Philippines established diplomatic ties in 1947, when both countries signed the Treaty of Amity in Paris.
Following former French President François Hollande’s historic state visit to the Philippines in 2015, the two countries’ relations became more focused on ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific region and upholding international law; pursuing joint action to combat climate change; and promoting cultural exchanges between their people.
Source: PNA
