France to offer direct flights from Manila to Paris

Good news, travelers: Flying from Manila to Paris directly could be possible “in the near future.”

According to state media, outgoing French Ambassador to the Philippines Michèle Boccoz bared the French government’s plans to strengthen their ties with the country in a courtesy call at the Palace on Tuesday, July 11.

“There are many things going on and one of them, I understand, we will have in the near future a direct flight from Manila to Paris,” Boccoz revealed, adding that it’s already “in progress.”

Aside from direct flights, Boccoz added they are also looking to further its student exchange and scholarship programs for Filipinos. “It is also something that we’re really promoting, to have more students in all areas in Science, in Engineering and Technologies and all of the areas.”

“And the young generation is so dynamic in this country and I’m sure there’ll be many, many opportunities to increase the relationship in all those areas and to go to the next step of our relation,” she added.

According to the Philippine News Agency, the PH and France formally established diplomatic relations in June 1947, “with the signing of the Treaty of Friendship between the two countries by then vice president Elpidio Quirino and then French foreign minister George Bidault.” They are set to mark their 76th anniversary this year.