French President François Hollande, PNoy to discuss terrorism

MANILA, Philippines - French President François Hollande and President Benigno Aquino are set to discuss the issue of terrorism during the President of France's state visit to the country from February 26 to 27.

The French President will visit the country upon the invitation of Aquino, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

The two heads of state will discuss the facets of a bilateral relationship such as shared democratic values and increased economic partnership.

"They will also exchange views on pressing regional and global issues, including terrorism, which has recently manifested itself in France in the Charlie Hebdo killing spree that claimed the lives of 20 people in the heart of Paris," the DFA statement said.

France is the second largest trading partner of the Philippines from the European Union. The two-way trade amounted to $2.39 billion in October 2014 which is a 24 percent increase from the previous year.

Hollande is scheduled to head to Luneta Park upon arrival and lay a wreath in honor of the country's national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal.

Rizal, who was inspired by the ideals of the French revolution in 1789, wrote some chapters of his second novel El Filibusterismo in Paris, France.

Aquino's first official visit to France was in September 2014. This will be the first time that an incumbent President of France will visit the Philippines since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1947, according to the DFA.

Under Socialist President François Mitterand, France was the first country to recognize the government of President Corazon Aquino in 1986.