Manila, October 2 (AseanAll) — Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. received the credentials of French Ambassador Donatienne Hissard during a ceremony at Malacañang on October 1, 2026.
Ambassador Hissard presented her credentials to President Marcos at the Reception Hall before meeting with the President in the Study Room.
Ambassador Hissard, who has served as Chief Executive Officer of Campus France since April 2022, previously held several posts at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. She also served as Second Counsellor and Deputy Permanent Representative of France to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Rome from 2012 to 2016.
During their meeting, Ambassador Hissard said France is ready to support the Philippines’ efforts to strengthen economic growth, develop its industrial base and create local jobs.
“France stands ready to support your government’s efforts to strengthen economic growth, build up the industrial base and local employment,” the new French ambassador said.
The ambassador also cited the Luzon Economic Corridor and other strategic projects as areas where France could contribute through development assistance and private sector expertise.
“Through the Luzon Economic Corridor and other strategic projects, we hope to contribute as a development partner or through the expertise of our private sector to many other critical investments in transportation, infrastructure, connectivity, disaster prevention and management,” she said.
Hissard also underscored France’s commitment to closer cultural, academic and people-to-people exchanges.
For his part, Marcos said relations between the Philippines and France have grown stronger, with both countries exploring cooperation beyond traditional areas.
“The relationship between our two countries has grown stronger, but we have explored areas that were considered not traditional,” President Marcos said.
“And these are things that we hope to continue to promote in our current… two countries for the benefit of France and for the Philippines,” the President added.
The Philippines and France have maintained diplomatic relations for 79 years since establishing formal ties in 1947. France was the Philippines’ 20th largest trading partner in 2025, with total trade reaching $1.873 billion.
The two countries have agreements covering air services, cultural cooperation, defense, film, and development cooperation.
The presentation of credentials highlights continued Philippines-France cooperation in economic development, infrastructure, security and people-to-people exchanges.
