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Hollande pays courtesy call on PNoy, to push for climate action


French President Francois Hollande on Thursday paid a courtesy call on President Benigno Aquino III as part of his two-day state visit in the Philippines to push for climate change action.
 
Hollande was welcomed by Aquino and his Cabinet at the Malacañang Palace Grounds at past 4:50 p.m., some 20 minutes behind his scheduled arrival.
 
Like all visiting heads of state, the French president was given full military honors, including a 21-gun salute, upon his arrival. He also conducted regular inspection of troops.

In the message he wrote on the Malacañang’s guestbook, Hollande affirmed his country’s close ties with the Philippines.
 
"My presence today is new proof of the profound friendship that unites France and the Philippines. In launching the Manila Appeal, our two countries mark our willingness to act for the preservation of the planet,” the French leader said.

 
Hollande is set to hold an expanded bilateral meeting with Aquino, where they will tackle “regional and global issues, including terrorism.”
 
After their meeting, Aquino and Hollande are expected to witness the signing of joint agreements on development, tourism, health, and academic exchanges. 
 
Both leaders are also scheduled launch the so-called “Manila Call to Action on Climate Change,” which enjoins other countries to support the signing of a climate change agreement in Paris later this year.
 
This legally binding agreement seeks to limit global warming below 2°C.
 
Hollande arrived earlier in the day at the Villamor Airbase for his two-day state visit in the Philippines. Upon his arrival, he went to Manila to lay a wreath in front of the monument of Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal.
 
The French president also met with businessmen and VIPS of the French delegation to tackle climate change.
 
On Friday, Hollande will visit Guiuan town in Eastern Samar—one of the areas hit by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) over a year ago.
 
In September last year, President Aquino also visited France as his part of his four-country Europe trip. — Andreo Calonzo/RSJ, GMA News
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