Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 29) — A high-ranking official of the French military on Wednesday said France seeks to continue the progression of cooperation through more joint military exercises.
“We hope that the Philippine Army will take part in the exercises that we organized in French Polynesia and New Caledonia for disaster relief training together,” French Joint Commander of the Asia Pacific and the French Armed Forces Rear Admiral Geoffroy d’Andigné told CNN Philippines’ The Final Word.
D’Andigné is in the country for a series of meetings with Philippine military and diplomatic officials, including Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, eyeing to improve defense ties between Paris and Manila.
“So far, we have interactions with the [Philippine] Navy and the coastguards. We have interactions with the military patrol aircraft but, in the future, we look forward to working with the air forces and maybe with the marine and armed forces through the exercises that are organized here by the Philippine Armed Forces,” he said.
D’Andigné said France is already investing in the defense sector of the Asia-Pacific region, adding that many of their military assets like French battleship Lorraine are conducting visits and missions in the Philippines.
“This makes a difference in terms of capacity and in terms of presence. We have been involved through those assets coming from France,” he said.
The Rear Admiral also said the nations’ defense ties could further improve on the aspects of sharing information and continuing the exchange of chosen officers for special training and education.
