MANILA, Philippines – Nakatakdang magkaroon ng unang stopover ang French Navy Carrier Strike Group (CSG) sa Pilipinas bilang bahagi ng misyon nito, ayon sa Embassy of France to the Philippines and to Micronesia.
“Deployed in the Indo-Pacific as part of mission CLEMENCEAU 25, the French CSG will make an operational break in Subic Bay and Manila from the 21st February for an unprecedented visit,” sinabi ng Embahada.
Ang French CSG ay binubuo ng aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle, dalawang multi-mission destroyers, isang air defense destroyer, at auxiliary oil replenishment ship Jacques Chevallier.
Ayon sa French Embassy, ang pagbisita ay bahagi ng framework ng letter of intent na pinirmahan ng France at Pilipinas noong Disyembre 2023, na layong mapalakas ang military cooperation.
Sasakay sina French Ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontanel at ilang high-ranking military authorities sa Charles De Gaulle.
Bago ang stopover ng French CSG, sinabi ng Embahada na lalahok ang Philippine Air Force will sa air interactions kasama ang Navy Rafale ng embarked carrier air wing.
Kasama rin ang isang destroyer ng French CSG sa bilateral interaction sa BRP José Rizal at BRP Gregorio Del Pilar.
“These interactions are clear demonstration of the willingness to work collectively for maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region where the two countries share economic interests and a need to protect their national citizens,” pahayag ng French embassy.
“The stopover also gives the crews a chance to discover the Philippines, interact with Filipinos and meet the NGO ANAK-TNK, which is organizing a basketball match between sailors and young people hosted by the foundation,” dagdag pa.
Sasalubungin ng Philippine military ang pagbisita.
“This visit builds on growing defense ties between the two nations, following the French Navy’s first participation in Exercise BALIKATAN 2024, during which the frigate Vendémiaire was deployed alongside Philippine and U.S. forces.
“Previous port calls by the destroyer Bretagne in Manila and the frigate Prairial in Cebu further underscore France’s commitment to regional security and the shared goal of strengthening maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific,” ayon naman kay Colonel Xerxes Trinidad, hepe ng Armed Forces Public Affairs Office. RNT/JGC
