France to 'step up' defense, strategic cooperation with PH

FRANCE WOULD  bolster its engagement on defense and strategic partnership with the Philippines, French Ambassador Michèle Boccoz said as she laid down her priorities as the newly installed envoy in Manila.  

The statement was made when she presented her credentials to President Rodrigo Duterte on Feb. 10 in Malacañang.

Boccoz said France, as a nation of the Indo-Pacific, commits to contribute to the stability, free trade, peaceful settlement of dispute, development, fight against climate change, and freedom of navigation in the region.

"In that regard, France is committed to continue to step up the growing cooperation in defense and strategic matters between the Philippines and France," she said.

Boccoz said Paris would also bolster its engagement on economic and commercial cooperation with Manila.

"[I]nvestments in key sectors of the economy in the Philippines is for us a priority. We see with pleasure that more and more French companies are investing in major projects and benefit from a good image and excellent cooperation with local companies. Be assured, Mr. President, that France wishes to further its economic and commercial cooperation with the Philippines," she said.

Duterte, for his part, underscored the government's "keen interest" to strengthen ties with France in these areas of mutual interest.

He welcomed France's active participation in the Philippines' defense modernization and "Build, Build, Build" programs.

But he underscored that "constructive engagement" between the two nations must continue to grow, especially with the "unprecedented" challenges the world faces today.

"The challenges we face today are unprecedented. We need closer collaboration bilaterally and in the [multilateral arena]. We are interested in further expanding ties, particularly in defense, trade and investments, public health, and tourism," he said.

Duterte said he looks forward to enhanced collaboration between Manila and Paris on climate change and sustainable development, environmental protection, migration and migrant workers’ rights, gender justice, and combatting transnational crimes, including cybersecurity and counterterrorism. (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)