France is looking to further strengthen defence and military ties with the Sultanate following the recent four-day visit of Commander of armed forces in French Polynesia, Commander of the Pacific Experimental Centre, Commander of the Pacific Ocean and Polynesian Maritime Zones and Commander of the French Polynesia Defence Base Rear Admiral Geoffroy d’Andigné.
It was the first time that the French Rear Admiral had visited the country and was granted an opportunity to meet His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.
He also met with senior officials of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF).
Rear Admiral Geoffroy d’Andigné in an interview, said, “We have a long-standing cooperation with the Sultanate on various fields, especially defence.
“I am the commander of Asia-Pacific for the French forces and is working to foster cooperation with countries in the region. This is a global partnership and we are discussing with the Sultanate on more cooperation at the operation level.”
The rear admiral also said, “Brunei is a very supportive and friendly country to France. I am grateful for our cooperation and maritime security.”
He also delivered a talk on ‘The Actions of the French Armed Forces in the Indo-Pacific’ during a command and staff course at the Defence Academy RBAF.
The visiting French rear admiral also explained to the participants about France’s Pacific Command (ALPACI).
He said, “I am based in French Polynesia with military assets of 1,200 personnel with frigates, planes and regiments.
“The asset can be mobile to fulfil missions comprising three areas – protection of our territory and French citizens, including the largest exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the Pacific, to assist Asia-Pacific countries in the security aspects and humanitarian relief missions by providing assistance if needed during disasters.
“I also receive assistance from assets in New Caledonia and France.”
On maritime security, he said, “The sea in this region is the most populated sealine communication in the world. There are many fishermen, ships activities and undersea cables.
Therefore, it is strategically important for Europe and France to keep the line of communication open and respect free of navigation.”
In terms of ASEAN, he said, “I hope to establish friendly and fruitful cooperation with ASEAN member countries to help in improving security in the region.”
A French ship surveillance frigate Prairiald and two F200 Guardian patrol planes will be making a stopover in the country next week before heading to Japan for the Enforcement Coordination Cell (ECC) Mission. – James Kon
