Better, faster, stronger: A path to strategic partnership

A few months ago, two new administrations were set up nearly simultaneously in France and the Philippines. In June, the launch of the 75th anniversary of our bilateral relationships symbolically kick-started a new chapter of our bilateral relationship, displaying our ability to work creatively together and harnessing a common desire to go back to business after a long COVID standby. The SONA and post-SONA economic briefing laid down a clear vision for the future of the Philippines, and a new momentum for enhanced bilateral cooperation in areas of strategic importance, such as defense and security, climate change resilience, food and energy security. We are ready to deliver, and the path is now opened to a full-fledged strategic partnership.

The ongoing war in Ukraine and the hot strategic summer in the Pacific reminded us why a rules-based order and the peaceful settlement of disputes matter, as well as multilateral organizations such as EU or the ASEAN. Our strategic stances are non-confrontational and primarily rely on political dialogue. As two nations of the Indo-Pacific, our shared goal of developing independent foreign policies in the region first and foremost entails the protection of our territorial sovereignty, and the possibility to freely navigate international waters. This is why France has been increasing patrols in the region since the launch of its Indo-Pacific strategy in 2018, and successfully developed defense partnerships in the region.

For example, it is worth noting that India and Malaysia are using French submarines – and Indonesia plans to. We also have an excellent defense cooperation with the Philippines, through joint drills, training and the support to the modernization of the AFP forces, and we wish to go much further to ensure that not a single square inch of territory can ever be yielded.

The consequences of the war in Ukraine make energy security another shared strategic concern for France and the Philippines, as most other European and Asian countries. In line with our commitments towards the fight against climate change and the promotion of climate-friendly sources of energy, we already support the Philippines through the rehabilitation of the Agus-Pulangi water dam in Mindanao.

The development of innovative nuclear technologies is one of the new solutions to address the Philippines’ energetic needs that have been discussed at the highest level these last months. As it was reflected during many recent conversations with my Filipino counterparts, France’s expertise in this particular domain is unquestioned, and our cooperation in this area sounds very promising. Our country has the highest share of nuclear energy consumption in the world, by far, yet 60 years after this industry started, our public opinion still keeps a high degree of confidence, thanks to a sound regulatory framework and no less than two agencies in charge of nuclear safety.

Traditional and non-traditional security threats are often closely interconnected. Pre-existing food security challenges in the Philippines have been impacted by the Russian aggression in Ukraine, and the deliberate weaponization of food production in Ukraine. Through the FARM initiative, France has been pushing a multilateral platform meant to mitigate the increased tensions on food markets, increase local production capacities and investments. Together with the NGO Acted, we launched this year a sustainable and inclusive agriculture project in the BARMM region, enabling 20 women cooperative leaders to develop their projects and get better access to local markets. Ensuring food access and creating jobs is necessary to ensure the economic empowerment of citizens, further the demobilization of former fighters and finally support the peace process.

We can be proud of our common achievements, and I wish to seize this unique momentum and keep the pace so that we can bring our bilateral relationship to its full fruition. In the coming months, besides intensified political exchanges, the events of the 75th anniversary will keep on rolling, be sure not to miss these exciting occasions to enjoy the best of our Franco-Filipino creations!

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Michele Boccoz is the Ambassador of France to the Philippines.