SFA Locsin, New French Ambassador Boccoz Commit to Deepen Ties in Fields of Defense, Economic, Health Cooperation

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. and French Ambassador Michèle Boccoz discussed strengthening of PH-France ties during a courtesy call at the DFA on 15 February 2021. (Photo by DFA-OPCD Vanessa Ubac)

PASAY CITY 16 February 2021 – Newly-appointed French Ambassador to the Philippines Michèle Boccoz paid a courtesy call on Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. on 15 February 2021.

Both sides reaffirmed the close ties between the Philippines and France and committed to deepen cooperation in the areas of defense, trade and investment, infrastructure, and health. In particular, Secretary Locsin and Ambassador Boccoz agreed to explore ways of assisting each other in addressing the challenges resulting from the global pandemic.

Climate change cooperation was also identified as a key area of cooperation given the adverse impact of climate change on the Philippines and France’s leadership role in the Climate Change Conference.

Secretary Locsin welcomed the conferment on France of the status of a Development Partner of ASEAN and looked forward to working further with France in the areas of gender justice, environmental protection, migration, and cybersecurity as the Philippines assumes the role of country coordinator for ASEAN-EU relations this year. END