France expresses support for PH during Bastille Day
According to the "Unang Balita" report of JP Soriano on Tuesday, France expressed their support for the Philippines and said that they will continue to support and protect the country's rights to land and environment.
French ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Marie Fontanel shared that the Blue Nations Initiative between France and the Philippines would help strengthen collaborations between the two countries on environmental protection, climate action, blue economy, and maritime security.
'Allow me to reiterate Frances' deep commitment to the Philippines. Our countries are like two blue sisters nations, along with our friendship and cooperation,' said Fontanel.
The statements followed the statement of the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea that Chinese military ships have caused environmental damage over coral reefs at Pag-asa Reef 1.
Fontanel added that the celebration on Bastille Day or the French National Day also recognizes the Philippines' rights to the West Philippine Sea and respect to international law.
'We are deeply committed to multilateralism, respect for international law, particularly the UN Charter, and the defense of the rule of law everywhere without double standards,' she noted.
'We appreciate France's consistent support for the 2016 arbitral award on the South China Sea which forms an important pillar of the rules-based international order that governs the peace nations not just on land but also at sea,' responded Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Hellen dela Vega.
France is one of the countries that have allied with the Philippines in support of the 2016 arbitral ruling regarding the West Philippine Sea.
Recently, France and the Philippines have partnered up to create a Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) to conduct more Joint Military Exercises. — Jiselle Anne Casucian/BAP, GMA Integrated News
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