Marcos eyes nuclear energy partnership with France

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 19) — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Friday held a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and talked about regional issues impacting the economy, but mostly on energy.

The meeting, which Marcos described as “very extensive and quite productive,” was on the sidelines of the 29th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, Thailand.

According to the Office of the Press Secretary, Marcos said he engaged Macron to talk about energy because France is a leading proponent of nuclear energy and its experience is quite extensive, which the Philippines could rely on if it goes ahead with a partnership on nuclear energy.

“I’m very confident that it will be a strong partnership simply because they have up to 67 percent of their power production from nuclear energy so they are very, very used to it,” Marcos said.

The chief executive has been vocal about his interest in revisiting nuclear energy policies and building nuclear power plants in the country.

Environmental groups have labeled this stance as a “mixed signal,” citing the President’s previous pronouncement that he also wants the country to increase the use of renewable energy (RE) sources to address climate change.

Critics have said nuclear power would pose more risks to the country that is why the government should instead focus on RE sources such as solar and wind.

WATCH: Promises and pitfalls of nuclear energy

Aside from nuclear energy, Marcos said they also discussed agriculture and defense.

“So these are areas — the three basic areas — considered [for] partnerships [that] could be explored. He was also kind enough to invite me to visit France when the time comes,” Marcos said, adding that he reciprocated the French leader’s invitation.

According to Malacañang, the two leaders have engaged in a telephone conversation in September to discuss further strengthening bilateral relations and various areas of mutual cooperation.