French President Francois Hollande visits the Philippines for a bilateral meeting with President Benigno Simeon Aquino III. The French President is currently in Malacanang after his arrival from France and was welcomed by Pres. Aquino and several cabinet officials. The President of France is expected to exchange views on global and regional issues during his official visit to our country.
According to Malacanang, the French President arrived at Malacanang Palace grounds at around 4:50 PM and he is expected to discuss some issues with the Philippine President such as the climate change and terrorism issues.
Pres. Hollande and Pres. Aquino will also discuss various aspects of the bilateral relations of the Philippines and France on economy and trade, because France is considered as the second biggest trading partner in Europe.
Following the meeting of the two head of states, President Aquino and President Hollande will witness the signing of cooperation agreements in the areas of development, tourism, health and academic exchanges. They will also issue a joint statement and will answer some questions from the media.
The French President is also seeking Pres. Aquino’s support on the issue of climate change in light of preparation being made for the 21st Conference of Parties in Paris in December this year. Pres. Hollande will also visit Guiuan, Samar, one of the areas devastated by super typhoon Yolanda in 2013.
The first trip of the French President to the Philippines was accompanied by some well-known environmentalists such as Jeremy Irons, Marion Cotillard and high officials from various international organizations.
