Ambassador of France to the Philippines H.E. Marie Fontanel discussed the strengthening of the bilateral relationship between the Philippines and France during Far Eastern University (FEU) Department of International Studies’ (IS) ‘Annual Ambassadors’ Lecture Series’ at the FEUture Center Auditorium last February 18.

With the theme ‘Strengthened Ties: 77 Years of Philippine-France Diplomatic Relations,’ Fontanel tackled the diplomatic relationship and cooperation between the two countries. 

In the lecture, Fontanel discussed that the current ties of the Philippines and France are being strengthened through ongoing political dialogues between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and President Emmanuel Macron since 2022. 

“Each time, they have reaffirmed the will to strengthen the bilateral relationship,” Fontanel said. 

The French Ambassador also tackled the two pillars of the bilateral relationship between the two countries, namely ‘sovereignty’ and ‘people-to-people exchanges.’ 

She emphasized the importance of autonomy and independence, along with the different dimensions and possible threats concerning sovereignty, such as defense and security, energy, maritime, food security, and climate change. 

“Each nation has to be sovereign and be less dependent on others,” the Ambassador added. 

Additionally, Fontanel highlighted the importance of people-to-people relationships and investing in the youth. 

“Investing in the youth, it means also investing in students’ mobilities, student exchanges,” she emphasized. 

This year’s ‘Annual Ambassadors’ Lecture Series’ is a project of the FEU Department of IS, co-organized by the FEU International Relations Office. 

- Julliane Nicole Labinghisa
(Photo by Melvin James Urubio/FEU Advocate)