France and the Philippines will be celebrating their 75th year of diplomatic relations by featuring events focused on arts, culture, film and gastronomy.
The celebration of the two countries' diplomatic anniversary will run for four months. It will feature by art exhibits, film festivals, ballet performances, a street art mural, a French Christmas market, song performances, circus, food festival, among others.
In highlighting French art and cuisine, French Ambassador to the Philippines Michele Boccoz said, "we try to feature the diversity of our relationship" as well as "the things we love."
"It covers all areas where we were together and all areas where we want to continue working together," she said in a press conference on Tuesday.
Similar events will also be mounted in France where Filipino art and films are being featured.
France and the Philippines' 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations is a half-year-long gala that illustrates the steadfast friendship between the two countries, the French embassy in Manila said.
"The festivities will reach their peak this October, with four major events planned to inspire and amaze the public," it added, saying "other events will be held in November and December, with a closing ceremony" to be held in January.
Through the line-up of different events, the French embassy and the Department of Foreign Affairs, led by Assistant Secretary for European Affairs Jaime Victor Ledda, are hoping to showcase the continuous commitment of both countries to boost partnership on various fronts, such as trade and investment, defense and maritime, industrial development, climate action and culture and people-to-people exchanges.
In 1947, diplomatic relations between France and the Philippines were established following the signing of the Treaty of Amity in Paris.
Since then, both countries have taken steps to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific area and upholding of international law, addressing climate change and promoting cultures, among others.