GOVPH

On December 12, 2024, the Philippine Embassy in Paris hosted a diplomatic reception to celebrate the renewed connectivity between Paris and Manila, following the restoration of Air France’s direct route after a 20-year hiatus. The inaugural flight AF209 from Manila to Paris brought the Philippine delegation and representatives of the French Embassy in Manila to Paris for a week of meetings, conferences, and discussions with various French government officials, business and private sector representatives, and academic institutions.

H.E. Junever Mahilum-West welcomed guests to the Embassy and underscored the significance of the restoration of direct Paris-Manila flights in further strengthening ties between the Philippines and France.

The gathering was attended by top-ranking officials of the Philippine delegation from the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Finance, NEDA, Department of Tourism and the Philippine Coast Guard, business leaders, representatives from the French Embassy in Manila, and partners from the academic community, including students and artists from the Filipino community in France.

Secretary of Science and Technology highlighted the results of DOST’s mission in France during the Philippine week that aligns with the Philippines’ national development strategies and goals of wealth creation and protection.  

During her welcome remarks, the Philippine Ambassador to France, H.E. Junever Mahilum-West highlighted the significance of the restored flights in strengthening ties between the Philippines and France. She noted that these flights enhance connectivity in trade, investment, tourism, and person-to-person exchanges. The Ambassador also pointed out the potential for expanding France’s access to Asia and to the Pacific, creating new opportunities for both nations and their regions. The AcapElles and Filipino musicians Harold Guevarra, Muriel Gonzales, and Franco Maigue serenaded the guests with their classic rendition of Filipino and French songs. 

Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., who spearheaded the Department of Science and Technology delegation, shared key outcomes of DOST’s mission to Paris during the Semaine des Philippines (Philippine Week), emphasizing the mission's alignment with the Philippine Development Plan and national strategies.

Secretary of Transportation Jaime Bautista led his own delegation earlier in the Week to meetings with the Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries and France’s foremost business grouping MEDEF International, among others.

Esteemed members of the Philippine Week delegation and French government counterparts graced the Embassy reception. 

At the reception, guests enjoyed performances by an all-female Filipino-French choir, the AcapElles, along with France-based Filipino musicians Franco Maigue, Muriel Gonzales, and Harold Guevarra. Filipino women artists displayed their unique artworks painted on  the terno. The vibrant presence of Filipino artists and musicians in Paris reflected the profound and grassroots-level  cultural and artistic exchanges between the Philippines and France.
 

Members of the DOST delegation led by Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr. (L) with H.E. Junever Mahilum-West (R), Filipino students and DOST scholars based in France, Philippine state university officials, and Philippine and French Embassy officials. 

Semaine des Philippines provided a venue for rich exchanges between the visiting Philippine delegation and their French hosts.  It showcased the Philippines' diverse tourism offerings to French and European audiences, serving as a dynamic platform to enhance tourism, economic, and cultural exchanges. Philippine Week in Paris marked a step forward in strengthening relations between France and the Philippines, paving the way for improved connectivity and partnerships in all fields.

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