Paris: Philippine Navy (PN) chief Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta has expressed his thanks to the French Navy for its continued support and participation in the Philippines' maritime activities and exercises. "For a maritime archipelago such as the Philippines, and for France, a resident power in the Indo-Pacific - a shared understanding of the maritime environment with which we are operating in, is not just a necessity but a shared responsibility," he said during his visit to the French Navy in Paris, France.

According to Philippines News Agency, the visit, which took place from February 10 to 13, included a warm welcome from Admiral Nicolas Vaujour, Chief of the Naval Staff, French Navy, and Vice Admiral Jean Fran§ois Qu©rat, Maritime Prefect and Commander of the Atlantic Maritime Zone. This visit reaffirmed the longstanding friendship and highlighted the growing partnership between the two navies.

The PN delegation was provided with insights into the French Navy's capabilities through visits to key maritime institutions such as the MICA Center, SHOM, and BH Laplace. These visits showcased the French Navy's expertise in information sharing, hydrography, and mine warfare. Additionally, the delegation received a briefing at the Center of Excellence for Joint Command - Joint Headquarters and interacted with Brigadier General Micka«l Le Cam, Director for Asia-Pacific of the French Armament General Directorate.

The collaboration between the PN and the French Navy was further emphasized through a maritime cooperative activity (MCA) conducted on February 21, 2025, in the West Philippine Sea, with the French Navy deploying the Charles de Gaulle carrier strike group. In November of the same year, another MCA was conducted in Eastern Mindanao waters, highlighting the importance of sustained collaboration.

These engagements underscore the importance of high-level exchanges and interactions, maritime cooperation through partnerships, and a commitment to peace, stability, and a rules-based international order, as stated by Vice Admiral Ezpeleta.