Philippines and France Hold 4th Political Consultations in Manila

DFA Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa Lazaro (left) co-chaired the 4th Philippines-France Political Consultations with Director for Asia and Oceania Benoît Guidée (right) of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs at the DFA’s Double Dragon Tower office in Pasay City.

MANILA 19 March 2025 – The Philippines and France held their 4th Political Consultations in Manila on 14 March 2025. The Philippine delegation was led by Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro of the Department of Foreign Affairs, while the French side was led by Director for Asia and Oceania Benoît Guidée of France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

Undersecretary Lazaro and Director Guidée discussed the state and prospects of their two countries’ bilateral relations across several key issues such as trade and investment, energy, health, climate change, science and technology, defense, and people-to-people exchanges. They highlighted the visit of French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle in February 2025, underscoring the growing defense cooperation between the two nations. The two heads of delegation also took note of the increasing frequency of high-level visits and engagements between the Philippines and France, and agreed to sustain this momentum in light of the resumption of direct flights between Manila and Paris.

The Undersecretary and the Director discussed practical steps to foster closer collaboration on issues of mutual interest and benefit. In particular, France reaffirmed its support for the early conclusion of negotiations towards a comprehensive, balanced, and modern PH-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).  Likewise, both sides committed to strengthen development cooperation on infrastructure, maritime affairs, and environment. 

On regional and global issues, both sides exchanged views on the latest developments in the West Philippine Sea, ASEAN, Ukraine, and the Middle East. Undersecretary Lazaro specifically welcomed France’s consistent support for the Philippines’ efforts to uphold a rules-based international order and rule of law, especially UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Ruling, in the Indo-Pacific. Both sides shared the principle of resolving conflicts through diplomacy and dialogue.

They also emphasized the importance of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific as well as the crucial role of freedom of navigation in the region for global security, including economic security.

The Philippines and France will celebrate the 78th anniversary of their bilateral relations this June. Both sides held their last political consultations in Paris on 17 November 2023. END

Undersecretary Lazaro and Director Guidée are joined by the members of the Philippine and French delegations during the 4th Philippines-France Political Consultations. Undersecretary for Migration Affairs and Philippine Ambassador-designate to France Eduardo Jose A. De Vega (4th from bottom left) and French Ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontanel (4th from bottom right) were part of the Philippine delegation and French delegations.