Ambassador focuses on Phl-France relations

Her Excellency, Marie Fontanel, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic to the Republic of the Philippines and Micronesia, spoke to her audience on “the establishment of diplomatic relations based on mutual consent.”   

In a special lecture organized by FEU Department of International Studies, H.E. Marie Fontanel, Ambassador of France to the Philippines, emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral relations between France and the Philippines, particularly in energy, food, maritime, and climate security. Media Center 

“There are two pillars in our bilateral relationship: one is our shared sovereignty, second is people to people. Foreign policy has always been about ensuring self-reliance and independence,” said Fontanel.

In expounding the first pillar, she highlighted how the current economic conditions of the Philippines marked by high importation is a challenge that can be overcome through diplomatic relations.  

“[The Philippines] is dependent on imports for rice despite being self-reliant in the past, even fish, which is surprising for an archipelago. [The Philippines having] high levels of importation [makes the nation] dependent on the outside world… You had the technology but lost it. We can provide partnerships to train scientists,” said Fontanel.

People to people, the second pillar of the bilateral relations between France and the Philippines is key, according to Fontanel.

“We can’t have a strong bilateral relationship if it is not rooted [in] friendship of people to people. It’s easy to work in your country because of your hospitality. We want to invest in that bilateral people to people relations,” she said. 

Far Eastern University’s (FEU) Department of International Studies of the Institute of Arts and Sciences (IAS), in partnership with the International Relations Office (IRO), hosted the ambassador.  

Dean Diego Jose Abad delivered the welcome remarks where he highlighted the 77-year diplomatic relations between the Philippines and France, and the partnerships of both countries in education, infrastructure, economy, and culture, among others.  

“Through time, the Philippines and France have built a robust relationship that has endured despite physical distance—thanks in large part to mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to peace and prosperity… Today’s event is more symbolic as it coincides with FEU’s 97th Founding Anniversary… and also the upcoming 39th anniversary of the EDSA Revolution. Notably, France was the first to formally recognize President Corazon Aquino’s government after that historic event,” said Abad. 

IRO Director Dr. Driselle Pajuyo revealed that Fontanel was adviser to French President Emmanuel Macron on solidarity, health, and gender equality. Fontanel also served as an ambassador, permanent representative of France to the Council of Europe before her current post. 

After her talk, the ambassador answered questions from the audience, moderated by the Department of International Studies Faculty, Jules Gerard Arceo.  

 “We have to have dialogues even with those we disagree with,” said Fontanel. “We also see difficult times on matters of democracy and human rights. We must put to light such attacks.” 

Agnes Beatrice Silva, department chairperson, emphasized that the event was for the benefit of the students and was an opportunity for them to realize the real-world implications of their studies.  

“It is a reminder that diplomacy is more than just treaties and theories. It is a continuous effort shaped by the people who dedicate themselves [to protect] our sovereignty and people-to-people relations,” said Silva. 

University officials and academic managers had conversations with Fontanel before the Ambassador Lecture Series began last Feb. 18 at the FEUture Center Auditorium. Also in attendance were IAS associate dean Francis Esteban, senior director of FEU Center for the Arts Martin Lopez, French Embassy’s University Attaché Juliette Montuelle, second secretary from the Japanese Embassy Masataka Sugimoto, and  students from FEU and University of Santo Tomas.  

H.E. Marie Fontanel, Ambassador of France to the Philippines was welcomed by Aurelio Montinola III, FEU Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Media Center