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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider French admiral seeks enhanced ties with AFP

French admiral seeks enhanced ties with AFP

Published Jun 30, 2023 03:41 am
Rear Admiral Geoffroy D' Andigné, joint commander in the Asia-Pacific Zone of the French Armed Forces in French Polynesia, visited the headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Thursday, June 29, to reaffirm his vision to establish a stronger military partnership between the Philippines and France.

(L-R)

 

*Rear Admiral Geoffroy D' Andigné, joint commander in the Asia-Pacific Zone of the French Armed Forces in French Polynesia, and Lt. Gen William Gonzales, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Inspector General. (Photo: AFP)

* Andigné was welcomed by Lt. Gen William Gonzales, AFP Inspector General, as they discussed the further advancement of the two armed forces’ cooperation in the areas of logistics operations, training, and education. “It is a good investment in the future to have people understand the culture of another country and it gives a high leverage in terms of cooperation in the long-term,” Andigné said. On the other hand, Gonzales said the AFP intends to conduct future information-sharing and engagements on maritime domain awareness with “like-minded nations” such as France “to leverage the alliance.” "We are very thankful to you and we appreciate your participation in our exercises here. We are hoping for more robust military engagements, particularly in joint military exercises or subject matter exchange," he said. Apart from visiting Camp Aguinaldo, Andigné also dropped by the headquarters of the Philippine Navy (PN) in Manila on the same day where he met Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr., PN Flag Officer in Command.  Adaci discussed with Andigné "continued collaborations" between the two countries "that are beneficial to the PN's modernization efforts and capability development." Last year, France had offered to help the PN in acquiring a submarine through Frenchfirm Naval Group to boost its capabilities in patrolling and protecting its territorial waters, including the West Philippine Sea (WPS). He also raised to the  the French admiral the possibility of Filipino sailors and marines visiting French institutions, facilities, and shipyards in the future “to witness how things are done there” and learn from their good practices. The visit of Andigné came at the heels of the port call to Manila of French Navy warship Lorraine (D657) from June 23 to 29 which provided more opportunities for the two armed forces to strengthen ties and cooperation. “You are always welcome to have port calls in the Philippines. We wish your team a safe voyage. I hope the sailors enjoyed their brief stay in Manila,” Adaci said.

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