President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday lauded the deepening ties between the Philippines and France anchored on the two nations’ alignment on international law and democratic values.

“It is very encouraging for the Philippines to see that despite … the great distance between our two countries … the primacy of our shared values and our adherence to international law is something that is a common ground, that is very solid between France and the Philippines,” Marcos said as he welcomed French Minister for Foreign Trade, International Financing, and French Nationals Abroad Laurent Saint-Martin to Malacañang.

Saint-Martin conveyed the greetings of French President Emmanuel Macron and thanked Marcos and Trade Secretary Cristina Roque for the warm welcome extended to his delegation.

The visit is part of France’s broader push to strengthen its trade and diplomatic footprint in Southeast Asia.

The Philippines and France are marking 78 years of diplomatic relations this June.

Over 31,000 Filipinos live and work in France, many as professionals, students, artists, and domestic workers.

The Philippines has signed various agreements with France, covering areas such as air services, cultural cooperation, defense cooperation, film collaboration, and development cooperation, among others.

The two countries are currently in negotiations to sign a Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) that will facilitate strengthened defense cooperation and allow their soldiers to train in each others’ territories.

The Philippines has an existing VFA with the United States, a Status of VFA with Australia, and a Reciprocal Access Agreement with Japan to enhance defense partnerships and facilitate cooperative military activities. (PNA)