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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marcos thanks Macron for supporting PH in WPS issue

Marcos thanks Macron for supporting PH in WPS issue

Published Sep 28, 2023 02:34 am

At A Glance

  • The two leaders discussed security issues facing the Philippines in the disputed waters.
  • Marcos and Macron's phone conversation took place ahead of the visit of a group of French ministers to the Philippines before the year ends.
  • The Philippines and France had just celebrated the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relationship

President Marcos has expressed his gratitude to French President Emmanuel Macron for France's support for the Philippines amid its issues in the West Philippine Sea.

Marcos, Macron.jpg
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. and French President Emmanuel Macron (File photos)

Marcos said this during his phone conversation with the European leader on Wednesday, Sept. 27.

In the initial part of the phone call, the two leaders discussed security issues facing the Philippines in the disputed waters.

According to the President, the Philippine government is exerting all efforts to maintain peace and stability and keep the shipping lanes and airways open in the West Philippine Sea.

"I thank France for all the support that you have given us in terms of our shared values, in terms of following the international law, especially UNCLOS (UN Convention on the Law of the Sea)," he told Macron.

"It has been of great help— the messages of support and even when you sent French vessels to come and patrol. So I have to thank you, Mr. President, and France," he added.

Marcos and Macron's phone conversation took place ahead of the visit of a group of French ministers to the Philippines before the year ends.

During their phone call, President Marcos welcomed the upcoming visit, saying this would strengthen the Philippine-France bilateral ties and forge more cooperation.

According to Marcos, they could start working during the visit of the French ministers on what had been discussed during the 10th Philippine-France Joint Economic Meeting last June.

The Chief Executive then invited President Macron to visit the Philippines whenever he made a state visit to Asia.

"We can work on what was just held last June, the 10th Philippine-France Joint Economic Committee Meeting. And many of the businessmen from France were able to speak to our ministers and some of the local businessmen as well," Marcos said in his conversation with Macron.

"And so if your ministers will come to visit the Philippines, then that will be the next step from that beginning," he added.

Marcos noted that the Philippines and France had just celebrated the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relationship. He recalled their fruitful meeting during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting in Bangkok last year.

The President said the Philippines and France are taking their discussions seriously to ensure a favorable outcome for the two countries.

"This is all the product of our meetings in Bangkok, and I am very happy," Marcos said.

"We have been working assiduously trying to make sure that what we discussed, we follow up, and we come to a good conclusion," he added.

While everything is still under discussion, President Marcos said the Philippines will make close diplomatic contact through French Ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontanel, who presented her credentials on Sept. 20.

Related Tags

Bongbong Marcos PH-France ties UNCLOS Emmanuel Macron President Marcos
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