Noy, Hollande to discuss terrorism

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino will discuss the threat of international terrorism with French President Francois Hollande when France’s leader visits Manila this week.

Hollande’s state visit from Thursday to Friday will focus on climate change, but the recent attacks in Paris have also brought security to the forefront, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said yesterday.

“The two leaders will also exchange views on global and regional issues like terrorism, such as what happened involving Charlie Hebdo in Paris that claimed the lives of 20 people,” Coloma told reporters.

A series of attacks by three Islamist gunmen between Jan. 7 to 9 in Paris and its outskirts began with shootings at the offices of the Charlie Hebdo satirical newspaper.

Coloma did not elaborate on how the two nations would take up the issue.

Upon his arrival, Hollande will lay a wreath at the tomb of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal in Rizal Park. This is in recognition of Rizal’s advocacy on liberty, equality and fraternity, the foundation of the French revolution.

Aquino and Hollande will also discuss various aspects of the bilateral relations of Philippines and France on economy and trade. France is the Philippines’ second biggest trading partner in Europe, with about $2.39 billion in two-way trade as of October 2014.

Coloma said Hollande is also expected to seek Aquino’s support on the issue of climate change in light of preparations being made for the 21st Conference of Parties in Paris in December this year, which is expected to be attended by 40,000 from all parts of the globe.

Hollande hopes his visit would give a human face to climate change, as the Philippines bears the brunt of dozens of deadly storms every year, including the strongest on record, Typhoon Yolanda in November 2013, ambassador Nicolas Hulot said.

However, Coloma could not confirm if Hollande will visit the survivors of Yolanda in the Visayas.

“That is not part of the statement. But we can check if that is included in his itinerary,” Coloma said in an interview over state-run dzRB.

He could not also confirm reports that Oscar-winning actors Jeremy Irons and Marion Cotillard will be part of French delegation.