The French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and its escorts will visit the Philippines in February, signaling growing maritime security ties between the two countries.
French Ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontanel made the announcement at a maritime cooperation forum in Makati City, Philippines, on January 22, according to AFP. Ms. Fontanel said the visit of the French aircraft carrier strike group is fully in line with the 2023 agreement between the defense agencies of the two countries.
French Navy aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle
According to AFP, France is seeking to reassert its importance in the Asia-Pacific region. Meanwhile, the Philippines is trying to strengthen relations with partners and allies amid territorial disputes in the East Sea.
French Ambassador Fontanel added that the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier strike group is expected to participate in a maritime exercise with the US in the Philippine Sea.
Over the years, the Philippines and France have witnessed significant growth in maritime security cooperation. In 2024 alone, France actively participated in the 39th Balikatan exercise and deployed a group of aircraft at Clark Air Base (Philippines) as part of Pegase 24, the annual mission of the French Air and Space Forces to the Indo-Pacific.
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Manila and Paris are also expected to soon negotiate a defense pact that would allow them to deploy troops to each other's territory, similar to agreements between the Philippines and the United States and Japan.
“Since President Emmanuel Macron announced his Indo-Pacific strategy in 2018, France has been actively strengthening partnerships across the region. This strategy promotes dialogue and consensus building, providing a framework for resolving disputes,” said Ms. Fontanel.
In addition to maritime security, Ms. Fontanel emphasized that Paris also wants to strengthen cooperation with Manila on maritime safety and marine environmental protection.
In another development, the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle is currently participating in the Le Perouse 2025 exercise, which involves 13 naval vessels and more than 30 aircraft from France, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Canada, the US, the UK, India and Australia. According to The Manila Times , the exercise takes place from January 16 to 24 in some of the world's important maritime trade routes.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/phap-sap-dieu-tau-san-bay-duy-nhat-den-philippines-185250123205239408.htm
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