BOOSTING DEFENSE TIES. Defense officials of the Philippines and France participate in the Joint Defense Cooperation Committee (JDCC) Meeting in Manila held on Nov. 8 to 9. The DND on Friday (Nov. 11, 2022) said France has expressed its interest to participate in the ongoing Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) modernization program, especially on Horizon 3 which is geared towards the acquisition of equipment for external defense. (Photo courtesy of DND)
MANILA – France has expressed its interest to participate in the ongoing Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) modernization program, especially on Horizon 3 which is geared towards the acquisition of equipment for external defense.
This development came as the two countries conducted the third iteration of the Joint Defense Cooperation Committee (JDCC) Meeting in Manila from Nov. 8 to 9.
"France also expressed interest in participating in the Horizon 3 of the AFP Modernization Program, and the DND's (Department of National Defense) Self-Reliant Defense Posture Program, which is among the major thrusts of the Defense Department," DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in a statement Friday.
The Horizon 3 is slated for 2023 up to 2028.
The meeting took place as the Philippines and France commemorated the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.
"In relation to the discussion on the current challenges in the regional security environment, both countries reaffirmed their commitment in upholding a rules-based international order and preserving regional peace and stability," Andolong added.
The Philippine delegation from the DND was headed by Assistant Secretary for Strategic Assessments and International Affairs Henry A. Robinson Jr. while the French delegation was led by Captain Guillaume Arnoux, Director for Asia Pacific and Latin America, Directorate General for International Relations and Strategy (DGRIS), French Ministry of Armed Forces (MINARM).
The JDCC meeting entailed discussions on various matters of common interest between the two countries. Among the highlights of the meeting was both sides' mutual commitment to further strengthen and diversify defense and security cooperation as partners in the Indo-Pacific region.
The two sides agreed to sustain working- to high-level interactions, education and training cooperation, and various maritime-related exchanges, as well as explore cooperation on environmental security.
"In relation to the discussion on the current challenges in the regional security environment, both countries reaffirmed their commitment in upholding a rules-based international order and preserving regional peace and stability," Andolong added.
Also, the French MINARM delegation, accompanied by French Ambassador Michèle Boccoz, also rendered a courtesy call at the DND, where they were received by Defense Undersecretary Franco Nemesio M. Gacal last Nov. 8. (PNA)
