19 September 2016 — On September 13, French Ambassador Thierry Mathou reiterated his government’s solidarity with the Philippines in the aftermath of the Davao bomb attacks during his call on Secretary Perfecto R. Yasay, Jr. and personally handed over the message of sympathy from French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault conveying France’s firm condemnation of what it termed as a “coward and obnoxious act.”

Ambassador Mathou, in recalling the recent terror attacks in France, also expressed France’s full support to the efforts of the Philippine government to counter terrorism, and stated that the fight against terror was also a top agenda for the French government.

Secretary Yasay thanked France for its expression of solidarity and support with the Philippines following the bomb attack in Davao. The Secretary likewise highlighted the importance that the Philippines places on its relations with France and conveyed that the Philippines is committed to increasing people-to-people exchanges, cultural initiatives and cooperation in the field of education.

Further, Secretary Yasay reiterated the commitment of the Philippines to the rule of law and the protection of human rights of all. The Secretary also conveyed that the government does not condone any unlawful killing and has called for investigations to look into such killings.

The meeting ended with assurances of strengthened bilateral cooperation and possible conduct of high-level visits. END