by Kris M. Crismundo
MANILA, Feb 23 (PNA) — French President François Hollande is set to meet businessmen from the Makati Business Club (MBC) during his two-day state visit to the Philippines that will kick-off on Thursday.
On his meeting with the MBC during the first day of the state visit, Hollande will discuss how the Philippines and France can partner in addressing climate change, which also affects economies, for inclusive growth and development.
The French President will also highlight bilateral ties of the two countries.
After meeting businessmen, Hollande will also attend an inter-university forum then will proceed to Malacañan Palace for the official ceremony and launch of the Manila Call to Action for Climate Change.
Hollande and President Benigno S. Aquino III are expected to witness the signing of cooperation agreements in the areas of development, tourism, health, and academic exchanges.
On Friday, Hollande will fly to Guiuan, Samar, one of the areas that badly hit by typhoon ‘Yolanda’ (Haiyan) in 2013.
“This visit has two important aspects. First, it is to highlight the very positive phase in the bilateral relations between France and the Philippines. The French President would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm the friendly ties between our two countries,” said French Ambassador Gilles Garachon.
“We would like to call on all leaders involved in international climate negotiations to reach an agreement as soon as possible. We’d like to make this call with the Philippines because your country is very much involved in the climate issue. The Philippines, though very vulnerable to the consequences of climate change, has a positive and constructive international stand,” he added.
Meanwhile, Hollande will be accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development, Laurent Fabius; Minister of State for Development and Francophony, Annick Girardin; and Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy, Ségolène Royal; and France’s Special Envoy for the Protection of the Planet, Nicolas Hulo.
The visit of the French President in the Philippines is a return visit after President Aquino met Hollande during his European state visit in September last year. (PNA)