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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider French senators affirm importance of respect for UNCLOS, rule of international law

French senators affirm importance of respect for UNCLOS, rule of international law

Published Feb 28, 2024 08:49 am

dnd-french senators.jpeg

Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. meets visiting French Senators from the France-Southeast Asia Interparliamentary Friendship Group, led by Mr. Olivier Henno, at the Department of National Defense last week. (photo: DND)

French senators from the France-Southeast Asia Interparliamentary Friendship Group have affirmed the importance of respect for the rule of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

This was discussed during a meeting between the visiting French senators and Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, and amid the increasing tension in the West Philippine Sea.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Feb. 28, the DND said the West Philippine Sea issue was discussed along with developments in the Indo-Pacific region and their similarities and interconnectedness of the region's situation in Europe.

“Both sides discussed the challenges and opportunities for archipelagic and island states, especially as security threats are compounded by environmental changes brought about by climate change,” the statement read.

“They mutually recognized the close link of energy, food, health, and other aspects of national security with defense,” it added.

During the meeting Teodoro highlighted greenfield opportunities for broader cooperation between the Philippines and France, including in the development and mariculture sectors.

He also expressed appreciation for France's support to the Philippines' position in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and reaffirmed his keenness to further boost bilateral defense and security cooperation between the two countries.

“On increasing military engagements, the French delegation looked forward to visits by French assets alongside their participation in upcoming bilateral and multilateral missions in the region,” the DND statement read.

Members of the delegation included Mr. Fabien Genet, Vice-President of the Group; Mr. Patrice Joly, President of the Group for the Philippines; Mr. Jean-Jacques Lozach, Member of the Group; and Ms. Anne-Laure Saint-Dizier of the French Senate's Protocol and International Relations Department. They were accompanied by French Ambassador Marie Fontanel and French Embassy Political Counsellor Mr. Thomas Rollet.

The visit of the French Senate delegation followed the brief visit in Manila by French Minister for the Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu in December 2023.

Related Tags

UNCLOS DND West Philippine Sea
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