February 21, 2024 (Quezon City) – Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. met visiting French Senators from the France-Southeast Asia Interparliamentary Friendship Group, led by Mr. Olivier Henno, at the Department of National Defense (DND).
Discussing developments in the Indo-Pacific region along with the similarities and interconnectedness of the region’s situation in Europe, the Philippine and French officials underscored the importance of respect for the rule of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Both sides discussed the challenges and opportunities for archipelagic and island states, especially as security threats are compounded by environmental changes brought about by climate change. They mutually recognized the close link of energy, food, health, and other aspects of national security with defense.
Beyond defense capability and industry development, Secretary Teodoro also highlighted greenfield opportunities for broader cooperation between the Philippines and France, including in the development and mariculture sectors.
Secretary Teodoro expressed appreciation for France’s support to the Philippines’ position in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and reaffirmed his keenness to further boost bilateral defense and security cooperation between the two countries. On increasing military engagements, the French delegation looked forward to visits by French assets alongside their participation in upcoming bilateral and multilateral missions in the
region.
Members of the delegation included Mr. Fabien Genet, Vice-President of the Group; Mr. Patrice Joly, President of the Group for the Philippines; Mr. Jean-Jacques Lozach, Member of the Group; and Ms. Anne-Laure Saint-Dizier of the French Senate’s Protocol and International Relations Department. They were accompanied by French Ambassador Marie Fontanel and French Embassy Political Counsellor Mr. Thomas Rollet.
The visit of the French Senate delegation followed the brief visit in Manila by French Minister for the Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu in December 2023.
