Stakeholders from the government, the diplomatic community, academia and think tanks will discuss the maritime security cooperation at a forum organized by the French Embassy, in partnership with Stratbase Institute.

The forum titled “Exploring Maritime Cooperation: The Role of International Partnerships on Maritime Security” to be held at 9 a.m. at the Legaspi 2 Ballroom, Makati Diamond Hotel, Makati City on 23 January 2025 is the second installment of the “Blue Talks” series which aim to explore the various dimensions of maritime security cooperation between the Philippines and France.

The forum would provide an overview of the current international partnerships enhancing the Philippines’ capacities in the maritime sector and shed light on the remaining challenges while taking stock of what is already covered.

It will also feature the presentation of a joint policy brief, co-authored by Stratbase Institute and the French Institute of International Relations, which will focus on the challenges and opportunities in maritime cooperation between the two nations.

Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration, the Philippines has shifted its focus from internal to external security in response to the increasing aggression in the West Philippine Sea.

Central to this transformation is the implementation of the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept, the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the adoption of key legislation such as the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, and the Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act.

In this context, strengthening partnerships with like-minded nations on maritime security has become a critical strategy.