The Philippine Navy (PN) said it is looking to deepen its cooperation with France amid its looming deployment of a carrier strike group in the Indo-Pacific.

PN chief Rear Adm. Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta made this remark following a courtesy call of French Ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontanel at Navy headquarters at Naval Station Jose Andrada in Manila on Jan. 14, the Navy said in a news release Thursday.

“Ambassador Fontanel congratulated Rear Admiral Ezpeleta on his recent appointment and discussed upcoming cooperation initiatives including the deployment of the ‘CLEMENCEAU 25′ French carrier strike group in the Indo-Pacific, and France’s involvement in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) modernization program,” the PN said.

A carrier strike group is a flexible naval force that can operate in confined waters or the open ocean, during day and night, in all weather conditions.

“CLEMENCEAU 25” consists of the aircraft carrier FS Charles De Gaulle, its embarked air group, three escorting frigates, a fleet oiler and a nuclear-powered attack submarine.

The contingent will cruise around the Red Sea before heading towards the Indo-Pacific.

It left its home port of Toulon in late November to begin this deployment.

“We are looking forward to working with you and are very excited to see all the capabilities,” Ezpeleta said of the French Navy’s carrier strike group deployment.

He also lauded France’s contributions to the AFP modernization.

“Rear Admiral Ezpeleta also affirmed the PN’s commitment to strengthening ties with France, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in ensuring maritime security and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region,” the Navy said. (PNA)