Senate President Sherwin T. Gatchalian recently received French Ambassador Marie Fontanel at the Senate as she concluded her tour of duty in the Philippines.
The Senate President cited the Ambassador’s contributions to strengthening Philippines-France relations, particularly in the areas of defense cooperation and maritime security, including climate resilience, education, and culture.
He also conveyed his gratitude for France’s hospitality and continued support for the welfare of Filipinos working and residing in France.
For her part, Ambassador Fontanel, expressed her appreciation to the Philippine Senate for its concurrence to recent international agreements, such as the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, and the High Seas Treaty. She is also looking forward to the Senate’s concurrence to the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) between the Philippines and France.
Furthermore, she thanked the Senate for its continued dialogue and engagement with the French Parliament through regular exchanges, and expressed her hope to further deepen bilateral cooperation as the two countries celebrate the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.
