Marcos, Macron discuss maritime security issues

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed the security issues facing the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea earlier this week, Malacañang said on Thursday.

In a telephone call on Wednesday, Marcos told Macron the Philippines is exerting all efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region.

"But may I thank France for all the support that you have given us in terms of our shared values, in terms of following international law, especially (the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea). It has been of great help, the messages of support, and when you sent French vessels to come and patrol. So I have to thank you, Mr. President, and France," Marcos was quoted as saying.

Marcos said the Philippines and France had just celebrated the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relationship, recalling his fruitful meeting with Macron during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders Meeting in Bangkok last year.

He said the Philippines and France are taking their discussions seriously to ensure a favorable outcome for the two countries.

"This is all the product of our meetings in Bangkok, and I am very happy that, well, we have been working assiduously trying to make sure that what we discussed we follow up on and we come to a good conclusion," Marcos said.

While everything is still under discussion, he said the Philippines will maintain close diplomatic contact through French Ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontanel, who presented her credentials on 20 September.

Macron told Marcos that French ministers will visit the Philippines soon.

Marcos said they could start working during the visit of the French ministers on what had been discussed during the 10th Philippine-France Joint Economic Meeting last June.

"We can work on what was held last June. Many French businessmen were able to speak to our ministers and some local businessmen as well," Marcos told Macron.

"(When) your ministers come to visit the Philippines, then that will be the next step from that beginning," Marcos added as he expressed his gratitude for the long-standing bilateral ties between the Philippines and France.