Manila, April 10 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday lauded the deepening ties between the Philippines and France anchored on the two nations' alignment on international law and democratic values.

"It is very encouraging for the Philippines to see that despite ... the great distance between our two countries ... the primacy of our shared values and our adherence to international law is something that is a common ground, that is very solid between France and the Philippines," Marcos said as he welcomed French Minister for Foreign Trade, International Financing, and French Nationals Abroad Laurent Saint-Martin to Malacanang.

Saint-Martin conveyed the greetings of French President Emmanuel Macron and thanked Marcos and Trade S...