President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday welcomed the deepening and vibrant diplomatic ties between the Philippines and France, emphasizing their foundation in shared values and adherence to international laws.

During a courtesy call by French Minister for Foreign Trade, International Financing, and French Nationals Abroad Laurent Saint-Martin in Malacañang, President Marcos expressed his gratitude for both the material and moral support extended by France to the Philippines.

“It is very encouraging for the Philippines to see that despite … the great distance between our two countries … the primacy of our shared values and our adherence to international law is something that is a common ground, that is very solid between France and the Philippines,” President Marcos said.

The President also thanked Saint-Martin for his visit to the Philippines.

For his part, Saint-Martin expressed his appreciation to the President and Trade Secretary Cristina Roque for the warm welcome extended to him and his delegation.

He also conveyed the warm greetings of French President Emmanuel Macron to the Philippine government and the Filipino people.

The Philippines and France have maintained formal diplomatic relations for 78 years since their establishment on June 26, 1947.

There are more than 31,000 Filipinos in France, majority of whom are domestic workers, professionals, students, artists, and spouses of French nationals.

The Philippines has signed various agreements with France, covering areas such as air services, cultural cooperation, defense cooperation, film collaboration, and development cooperation, among others. | PND