The Embassy of France to the Philippines and in Micronesia on Monday (December 9) celebrated the inauguration of its new state-of-the-art premises.
The ceremony was graced by Anne-Marie Descôtes, Secretary General of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs who arrived in Manila aboard the maiden direct Paris-Manila flight by Air France. Alongside her was French Ambassador Marie Fontanel.
Distinguished guests included Assistant Secretary Ariel Peñaranda of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, Makati Vice-Mayor Monique Lagdameo, Ayala Corp. chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala II, and heads of missions of EU Member States.
Located on the 21st floor of Ayala Triangle Gardens Tower 2 in Makati City, the embassy’s relocation marks a significant step forward in its mission to enhance public services and provide a modern, efficient workplace for its expanding team.
Adding a historical note to the event, Air France’s Paris-Manila flight resumed operations after years of hiatus. The inaugural Paris-Manila flight also carried a delegation of Philippine officials, including representatives from the Department of Tourism, Department of Transportation, and Philippine Coast Guard, who left for France on December 8 for strategic meetings.
This milestone coincides with the launch of the Philippine Week in Paris, a week-long series of high-level engagements aimed at strengthening cooperation in trade, tourism, maritime development, education, and research.
The Philippine Week in Paris, running from December 9 to 13, is poised to open new chapters of collaboration, signaling a brighter and more dynamic partnership between the two nations.
This dual milestone—the embassy’s inauguration and the revival of direct flights—underscores the growing synergy between France and the Philippines, paving the way for cultural, economic, and diplomatic breakthroughs in the years to come.
