By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora
MANILA – The French Navy aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and its escorts are visiting the Philippines in February, signaling the growing maritime security relations between France and the Philippines.
French Ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontanel made the announcement at a maritime cooperation forum in Makati City on Thursday, saying the visit of the French Carrier Strike Group fully aligns with the 2023 letter of intent between the two states’ Defense agencies.
“It underscores France’s commitment to strengthening its involvement alongside the Philippines and will facilitate numerous joint activities with the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” she said.
Citing the letter of intent, Fontanel reaffirmed that Paris is committed to contributing to stability in the region.
Le Perouse 2025
Ahead of its Philippine visit, the FNS Charles de Gaulle is participating in the Le Perouse 2025 exercise, which involves 13 naval vessels and more than 30 aircraft from France Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, India and Australia.
The exercise — taking place in some of the world’s critical maritime trade routes — will involve various maritime safety and maritime security operations.
The drills began on Jan. 16 and will run until Jan. 24.
Fontanel said the AFP is also participating in the exercise but only “remotely” through the IORIS, a communication system for synchronized coordination in times of a maritime crisis.
The IORIS is funded by the European Union as part of its maritime security strategy and facilitates the exchange of information and documents between countries.
Over the past years, Manila and Paris have witnessed significant growth in maritime security cooperation.
In 2024 alone, France took an active part in the 39th edition of the Balikatan exercise and conducted the Pegase 24 Air and Space Force deployment, which made stop in Clark Air Force Base.
A full-fledged defense mission also opened in Manila last June and has been supporting three port calls of France’s Navy Ship in the Philippines in 2024.
“Since the announcement of its Indo-Pacific strategy by President (Emmanuel) Macron in 2018, France has been actively strengthening its partnerships across the region,” Fontanel said.
“This strategy promotes dialogue and consensus-building, providing a framework for the resolution of disputes,” she added.
On top of maritime security, the envoy said Paris is also keen to further engage Manila on maritime safety and maritime environment protection. (PNA)
