Macron, Marcos discuss France-Philippines bilateral relations

France’s President Emmanuel Macron and Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. FILE PHOTOS/REUTERS

MANILA, Philippines – France’s President Emmanuel Macron discussed with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. the bilateral relations between the Philippines and France as 2022 marks the 75th year of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

According to a statement from the Embassy of France, “they agreed to continue to deepen exchanges in the fields of low-carbon energy, food security, defense, and human exchanges” during the call on Friday.

Macron also discussed the challenges of preserving ocean biodiversity, encouraging the Philippines to join the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People, an informal network of countries committed to protecting 30% of maritime and terrestrial territories by 2030.

Moreover, Macron also introduced the International Blue Carbon Coalition, a global initiative to combat climate change by preserving coastal and marine ecosystems.

Macron then reiterated France’s respect for international maritime law in terms of defense. France has also been in previous discussions with the Philippines regarding a possible submarine deal.

READ: France in talks with PH for possible submarine deal

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