French surveillance frigate, Vendémiaire (F743), dropped anchor in South Harbor, Manila on Tuesday, March 8, as part of the French Navy’s deployment in Asia that aims to cultivate regional stability, international rule of law, and partnerships among Asian countries.
The visiting French Navy delegates were welcomed by Philippine Navy (PN) officers headed by Commander Cyrus Mendoza, the commanding officer of BRP Conrado Yap (PS39).
“The French Navy and the PN continue to foster the strong partnership that France and the Philippines have pursued through the years through a friendly and cooperative diplomatic relation. This port call highlights both navies’ commitment to promoting maritime cooperation and regional stability,” said Commander Benjo Negranza, PN spokesperson.
According to Negranza, the French Navy personnel will have limited interactions with their Filipino counterparts including a scheduled shipboard tour and send-off ceremony on March 11 with customary passing exercise (PASSEX) between the Vendémiaire and a PN ship at a pre-designated location.
“All of the activities to be conducted during the visit will adhere strictly to the existing health and bio-safety protocols,” Negranza noted.
The frigate’s port call came after the visit of Rear Adm. Jean-Mathieu Rey, Joint Commander of the French Armed Forces in the Asia Pacific (ALPACI), together with the French Ambassador to the Philippines, Michèle Boccoz, at the PN headquarters in Manila last Monday.
The French government’s representatives discussed with Vice Admiral Adeluis Bordado, PN Flag Officer in Command, possible areas of collaboration between the two countries to enhance both navy’s interoperability.