MANILA, Philippines – Tinalakay nina Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. at French Ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontanel nitong Martes, Nobyembre 7, ang mahigpit na pagpapatupad ng international law sa West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Kasabay ng courtesy visit ni Fontanel sa Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, ipinresenta ni Brawner sa ambassador ang mga prayoridad at hakbang ng AFP sa WPS.
Pinasalamatan din niya ang French government sa vocal support nito sa Pilipinas kasabay ng mga illegal na aksyon sa China sa rehiyon.
“We appreciate all the support and help that you are giving our government and our armed forces and we are looking forward to more engagements with you,” mensahe ni Brawner.
Noong Oktubre, nagpahayag ng matinding pagkabahala ang France sa pagbanggan ng barko ng China sa resupply boat ng Pilipinas sa Ayungin Shoal.
“France calls for respect of the freedom of navigation guaranteed by international law and recalls its attachment to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the decision rendered by the Arbitral Court on July 12, 2016,” pahayag ng French Embassy.
Noong Setyembre naman ay nag-usap sina Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at French President Emmanuel Macron sa telepono upang pag-usapan ang territorial at security issues sa WPS.
Ipinresenta rin ni Marcos ang mga hakbang ng pamahalaan upang mapanatili ang kapayapaan sa rehiyon.
“But may I thank France for all the support that you have given us in terms of our shared values, in terms of following the international law, especially UNCLOS (UN Convention on the Law of the Sea) and it has been of great help the messages of support and even when you sent French vessels to come and patrol. So I have thank you, Mr. President, and France,” sinabi ni Marcos kay Macron. RNT/JGC
