France reaffirmed its commitment to protect marine ecosystems, promote renewable energy, and support sustainable fisheries in the Philippines, underscoring its shared responsibility in ensuring peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
Speaking at the fifth edition of the Blue Talks held on October 16 at Makati Diamond Residences, French Ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontanel said France stands as a resident power in the region — not a distant observer — and remains committed to a rules-based international order.
“France’s presence and commitment to the stability of the region, alongside the Philippines, is the result of a simple truth: we are not distant observers of the Indo-Pacific; we are part of it,” Fontanel said.
She reiterated France’s adherence to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the importance of the 2016 Arbitral Award as a “cornerstone of international jurisprudence.”
“Upholding these principles is a matter of global order,” she said. “The Philippines has been an essential voice in this effort — as a maritime nation, as a democracy, and as a country deeply committed to the rule of law. Your leadership, your experience, in defending international norms are essential to the stability of the region.”
Fontanel cited the Letter of Intent signed in December 2023 between the two countries’ defense ministries as a milestone in strengthening bilateral cooperation in maritime security and capacity-building.
“Our engagement has moved beyond declarations — towards tangible joint initiatives, information-sharing, and trust-building,” she said. “It is through these actions, and through platforms such as today’s conference, that we strengthen the resilience of our societies and safeguard the stability of our common region.”
Protecting oceans, empowering communities
Beyond maritime defense, France has expanded its cooperation with the Philippines in areas that directly benefit people and the planet.
“We must never forget that the ocean is also a human space — one that sustains lives, livelihoods, and cultures,” the Ambassador said.
Through the French Development Agency (AFD), France supports projects that protect marine ecosystems, promote renewable energy, and strengthen sustainable fisheries. Fontanel also highlighted ongoing scientific partnerships between French institutions such as IFREMER and IRD, and the Marine Science Institute of the University of the Philippines.
These collaborations advance marine research, climate adaptation, and inclusive maritime governance — reflecting what Fontanel described as “dialogue and cooperation [as] the strongest tools we have to achieve peace and prosperity.”
“As we look ahead, the question is simple: what kind of Indo-Pacific do we want to live in, build, and protect together?” she said.