Philippines-France relations – toward new horizons

IN a span of four years, the Philippines and France have enhanced and strengthened their bilateral relations in a dynamic way that has never happened during the 65 years of their diplomatic relations. This started with the historic visit to the Philippines of Prime Minister Jean Marc Ayrault in 2012. PM Ayrault’s visit reopened the doors for dialogue, understanding, cooperation and partnership between the two countries. As stated by President Francois Hollande, there is now “a common will between our two countries, common commitments, common engagements.”

The visit of PM Ayrault on October 19-21, 2012 was the first made by a French head of government to the Philippines since the two countries’ establishment of diplomatic relations. This visit was a big political milestone in Philippine-French relations because it was an affirmation of the deepening ties between our two nations. The two leaders agreed to reactivate the regular political consultation process of foreign ministers, the Joint Economic Committee and the Defense Cooperation Arrangement, which would all lead to a focused and coherent direction of our bilateral engagement in all areas. PM Ayrault and President Benigno S. Aquino Jr. also agreed to accelerate the pace of economic cooperation and to continue the partnership in the areas of climate change and sustainable development.