FRENCH Ambassador Marie Fontanel held a series of meetings with top Philippine military and coast guard officials from November 7 to 10 to affirm the longstanding partnership between France and the Philippines.

On November 7, the French Ambassador visited the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, where she was welcomed by the Chief of Staff of the AFP General Romeo Brawner Jr. During the meeting, General Brawner expressed gratitude to the French government for its vocal support of the Philippines on the developments in the South China Sea.

On the same day, the Ambassador met with Philippine Navy Flag Officer-in-Command Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr. and had a discussion on France’s commitment to the Philippine Navy’s modernization and ongoing acquisitions.

Ambassador Fontanel went to the Philippine Army Headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on November 9, where she had an exchange with Commanding General Lieutenant General Roy Galido.

Ambassador Fontanel was accompanied by Brigadier General (Armaments) Caroline Salahun of the French Ministry of Defense’s Armament General Directorate, who then met separately with representatives of the Department of National Defense and the Philippine Air Force.

The ambassador also met with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gavan on November 10, during which she reaffirmed France’s continued support for the PCG.