French Ambassador Marie Fontanel held a series of meetings with top Philippine military and coast guard officials from November 7 to 10 to affirm the longstanding partnership between France and the Philippines.

On November 7, the French Ambassador visited the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, where she was welcomed by the Chief of Staff of the AFP General Romeo Brawner Jr. During the meeting, General Brawner expressed gratitude to the French government for its vocal support of the Philippines on the developments in the South China Sea.On the same day, the Ambassador met with Philippine Navy Flag Officer-in-Command Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr. and had a discussion on France's commitment to the Philippine Navy's modernization and ongoing acquisitions.