French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to visit PH in February
Metro Manila, Philippines - A French aircraft carrier is arriving next month, marking a milestone in Philippine-France maritime security relations.
French Ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontanel said the French carrier strike group, led by the flagship Charles de Gaulle, would arrive by the end of February.
"France has been actively strengthening its partnerships across the region. This strategy promotes dialogue and consensus-building, providing a framework for the resolution of disputes," Fontanel said during the Stratbase ADR Institute forum in Makati City on Thursday, Jan. 23.
Ahead of its Manila visit, FNS Charles de Gaulle participated in La Pérouse exercise, organized by France, on Jan. 16 to 24. Nine countries participated in the maritime activity.
Fontanel said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) were invited to participate in this exercise but their participation is conducted remotely through the Indo-Pacific Regional Information Sharing system of the CRIMARIO maritime security program, a European Union-funded maritime capacity building initiative
The French carrier will then participate in another set of exercises called the “Pacific Steller” with the United States and Japan. The Philippines has been invited to participate since it will take place in the east Philippine sea.
"Our collective ability to prevent crises of all kinds and to address hybrid threats will help promote the freedom of navigation and the international rules-based order throughout the Indo-Pacific region," Fontanel said.
SOFVA with France
In a separate interview, Fontanel said her country is awaiting the Philippine response to the first draft of a proposed Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) submitted last year.
"We are always checking with the Philippines," she said.
The two sides signed a letter of intent in 2023 which underscored France’s commitment to strengthening its involvement alongside the Philippines and will facilitate numerous joint activities with the AFP.
"This letter of intent serves as a roadmap for enhancing cooperation between our two countries. It includes the strengthening of bilateral dialogue on maritime security, which is fundamental to human security and the respect for each nation’s sovereignty. Together, we aim to contribute to regional stability," she added.