PH Navy tells French counterpart: You should be part of every exercise we have
The Philippine Navy (PN) is open to including the French Navy in the list of its current naval exercises and future collaborations, signifying a stronger bond between the two maritime forces.
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*Captain Xavier Bagot, commanding officer of the Air Defense FREMM (European Multi-Purpose Frigate) Lorraine and Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad, deputy commander of the Philippine Navy's Philippine Fleet. (Photo by PN)
* This was revealed when French Navy ship Lorraine (D657) docked at the South Harbor in Manila on Friday, June 23, for a port visit. She will stay in the country until June 29. Captain Xavier Bagot, commanding officer of the Air Defense FREMM (European Multi-Purpose Frigate) Lorraine, paid a courtesy visit at the headquarters of PN in Manila. Bagot was received by Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad, deputy commander of the Philippine Fleet, who discussed with the French officer possible undertakings between the two navies such as joint exercises. “The invitation will always be there for the French Navy. We will always welcome you. You should be part of every exercise that we have,” Trinidad said. In 2021, the French Navy participated in the “Sama-Sama” exercise between the United States Navy and PN. This was the first time that the French Navy joined maritime drills with the United States and Philippines although their troops only acted as observers. Trinidad expressed hope that Bagot's visit will be the start of more active collaborations between the PN and French Navy.