Philippine Ambassador to France Junever Mahilum-West has noted the potential for expanded cooperation between the two nations thanks to the Philippines' new role in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
This, as the Filipino envoy presented her credentials to French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palais Élysée last Nov. 2.
Mahilum-West cited the Philippines’ role as country coordinator for the ASEAN-Eurpean Union (EU) dialogue partnership and France’s assumption of the EU presidency in 2022.
A Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) statement Monday, Nov. 8 said that Mahilum-West also reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to continue strengthening its bilateral relations with France.
Incidentally, the year 2022 will mark the 75th year of diplomatic relations between Manila and Paris.
"In his remarks, President Macron reiterated France’s commitment to multilateralism, outlined the Indo-Pacific vision of France, and expressed his government’s support to all Ambassadors who presented their credentials, noting the ever-increasing importance of their role in international relations, particularly in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution," the statement read.
Prior to her assignment in France, Mahilum-West was assistant secretary of the Office of ASEAN Affairs of the DFA and Director-General of the ASEAN-Philippines Secretariat.
The lady ambassador also served in the following posts abroad since 1995: Second Secretary and Consul at the Philippine Embassy in Paris; Minister and Consul General of the Philippine Mission to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva; Consul General in Toronto; and Philippine Ambassador to Jordan and Palestine.