France - Message to the Philippines - Opening Diplomatic Ties

[Moe]

French Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Top Secret Encrypted Message

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From: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jean Le-Pen
To: Domingo Siazon Jr., Department of Foreign Affairs, Philippines

On behalf of President of Francois Mitterand and the people of France, I would like to extend you and your administration our warmest greetings. We would like to establish formal contact between our nations and study the possibility of increasing bilateral commerce.

France prides itself on being a neutral nation, free from coalitions or alliances, which allows us to talk openly with all countries.

I myself look forward to opening such a relationship with you personally.

Yours,

Jean Le-Pen

@Apingdaldal

 

[Apingdaldal]

[Private and encrypted]

Subject: Philippines-France Diplomatic Ties
To: Jean Le-Pen, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, France

Dear Sir,

Thank you for your warm greetings and for France's gesture of reaching out to my country. The Ramos administration is very welcome in cooperating with your administration in any positive and productive endeavors, especially in forging ties between our 2 countries.

How do you wish to conduct this meeting? We could definitely arrange a meeting here in Manila in your most convenient time.

We look forward in meeting you in person.

Thanks and best regards,

Domingo Siazon Jr.
Secretary - Department of Foreign Affairs
Republic of the Philippines

@Moe

 

[Moe]

French Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Top Secret Encrypted Message

​

From: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jean Le-Pen
To: Domingo Siazon Jr., Department of Foreign Affairs, Philippines

I will make arrangements to meet you immediately. I should be able to arrive in Manila in three days time. I wish to discuss trade, possible military sales and infrastructure projects. Would you mind if the Minister of the Interior comes along as well as a small security team?

Yours,

JLP

@Apingdaldal

 

[Apingdaldal]

[Private and encrypted]

Subject: Philippines-France Diplomatic Ties
To: Jean Le-Pen, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, France

Dear Sir,

We confirm our availability for your proposed meeting date. We will prepare our agenda accordingly. And yes, you can bring your other ministerial colleagues and your own security detail. We will also ensure the French delegation's security as well.

Looking forward and see you in Manila.

Thanks and best regards,

Domingo Siazon Jr.
Secretary - Department of Foreign Affairs
Republic of the Philippines

@Moe

 

[Moe]

French Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Top Secret Encrypted Message

​

From: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jean Le-Pen
To: Domingo Siazon Jr., Department of Foreign Affairs, Philippines

Excellent, I shall call you from the plane when we are a few hours out from Manila. I really look forward to forging strong ties with this meeting.

Yours,

J. Le-Pen

@Apingdaldal

 

[Moe]

In an Airbus A340-300, via a layover in Hong Kong, now an hour outside of Manila the French delegation await their arrival in manila. The pilot radios the tower at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, "Tower this is France Eight-Three-Niner. We have clear skies and zero turbulence. Going to be a beautiful landing in Manila. Please confirm runway so we can land this beast."

@Apingdaldal

 

[Apingdaldal]

Fifty (50) policemen from the Philippine National Police's Aviation Security Group (AVESGROUP) and 10x K-9 dogs are being deployed in Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 to provide overall security within the vicinity of airport for the arrival of the French delegation, all of them are armed with H&K UMP SMG's and M4 Carbine rifles.

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Press representatives from ABS-CBN, GMA7, and the government-owned PTV4 are all jostling inside the arrival halls, all trying to get in front to get first-hand scoop from the French delegation.


NAIA Terminal 3 ATC Tower continue assisting the French Airbus A340-300 for their landing

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NAIA-3 Tower: "France Eight-Three-Niner, Runway One-Three Right Cleared to Land."

Once the French Airbus A340-300 lands, NAIA-3 Tower will hand-over the communications to Ground Control to assist the French plane for taxi.

NAIA-3 Ground Control: "France Eight-Three-Niner, Continue Taxi, Vacate Runway Right onto Taxiway Charlie-Four, Continue Taxi onto Charlie Four Right, Delta Four Left, Delta 3 Right"


Meanwhile, DFA Secretary Domingo Siazon Jr., together with 20x Presidential Security Group (PSG) personnel (armed with H&K UMP SMG's), are waiting at Arrival Gate 8 to welcome their French guests.

@Moe

 

[Moe]

The French Airbus A340-300 hits the runway with a few nice, soft bumps. The pilot then follows Ground Controls instructions to a T. With the that, the Vice-President, Minister of the Interior, Jean DuPont, and a small security detail of four security guards each carrying Glock 17's and two extra clips.

Before they disembark the Vice-President says to his group, "This is going to be a special trip. You only get one chance to make a good impression. Keep that in mind at all times. Now, let's go."

With that the French entourage emerges from the plane with Vice-President Le-Pen leading down the airstair and make their way to Gate 8 to meet DFA DFA Secretary Domingo Siazon Jr.

When they arrive, VP Le-Pen outstretches his arm towards to Secretary Domingo and bows slightly, "It is my pleasure Mr. Secretary. All of France thanks you for this invitation."

@Apingdaldal

 

[Apingdaldal]

The lively sound of a band playing welcoming song "Bahay Kubo" (Nipa Hut/Nipa House) reverberate inside the halls of Gate 8 upon the entry of the French Delegation.

"Mabuhay! Welcome to the Philippines!" says the usherettes dressed in traditional Filipinana gowns as they approached Vice-President/Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean Marie Le-Pen and Minister of Interior Jean DuPont and hang sampaguita and ilang-ilang (local flowers) garlands on them. Right behind the lady ushers is DFA Secretary Domingo Siazon Jr., who then shook hands with the French VP and the Interior Minister. "Greeting Mr. Vice-President Le-Pen, Minister DuPont. Hope you had a comfortable flight. It's an honor meeting you. And again, welcome to the Philippines. This way please."

DFA Secretary Siazon Jr. led the French delegation along the red-carpet, out from the arrival hall and to the VIP exit of NAIA terminal 3 reserved for foreign dignitaries. Three (3) bullet-proofed Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL Guards are waiting for the French guests, escorted by eight (8) bullet-proofed Toyota Land Cruisers from the PSG guards.

Philippine media personnel flooded the NAIA exit to interview the French guest. The PSG blocked them to clear the way for the French guest to pass. DFA Secretary Siazon Jr. just gave a brief statement to the media:



"We will hold a public press conference in Malacanang Palace after the talks. Thank you."

DFA Secretary Domingo Siazon's group and the French delegation started getting in their vehicles. Once they're in their cars, the 3x Mercedes-Benz's and 8x Land Cruisers will immediately leave NAIA T3 and head their way to the Malacanang Palace.

Meanwhile in Malacanang Palace, President Fidel V. Ramos is eagerly waiting. He happen to have a free schedule so he opted to prepare his agenda for the Philippine-French bilateral talks.

@Moe

 

[Moe]

Both VP Le-Pen and Secretary DuPont shake hands with Secretary Siazon with Le-Pen saying, "Thank you for the kind welcome. We are so excited to be in the Philippines."

On the way to Malacanang Palace, VP Le-Pen makes small talk Secretary Siazon, while Secretary DuPont goes over notes on his Apple PowerBook 500.



@Apingdaldal

 

[Apingdaldal]

The PSG convoy exited the NAIA Expressway and drove through the longer but faster route via Roxas Ave. (avoiding the very congested Epifanio de los Santos (EDSA) Avenue). While on their way to Malacanang Palace DFA Secretrary Domingo Siazon Jr. started a small chat with VP Le-Pen:

DFA Sec. Siazon Jr.: "The timing is very good for your visit, Mr. Vice President as it's still summer season here. The May to November typhoon seasons can be quite a rough sometimes. By the way, how's life doing, Mr. Vice President? All smooth sailing?"

30 minutes later, the convoy would have passed by the the Manila Coastal Road and has reached the city of Manila. The convoy would have passed Jose Rizal's Monument at Luneta Park and the historical walled city of Intramuros.

It would take another 10 minutes before they reach Malacañang Palace.

@Moe

 

[Moe]

"Well, to let you in on something a little more private, President Mitterrand will not be running for re-election in France in two month's time, so I will be making a run for it. The President is in London now, and we will both announce our respective decisions when we get back. My next visit to the Phillipines may be as president."

@Apingdaldal

 

[Apingdaldal]

"I see. Well, congratulations in advance... Mr. President." says DFA Secretary Siazon Jr. to VP Le-Pen with a smile.

The PSG convoy reached the Malacanang Palace at 1235H.

PSG personnel alighted first from their Land Cruisers, followed by the staffs of the DFA secretary, and President Fidel V. Ramos standing in front of the Malacanang Palace's grand hall ready to welcome the French Delegation. Another marching band is playing as soon as VP Le-Pen and Interior Minister DuPont alighted their Mecedes-Benz's. President Fidel Ramos then approached the French guest, greeted them and led them inside grand hall where they walked pass a file of PSG donned in ceremonial uniforms

Armed PSG's also cordoned the grand hall from media personnel.


Inside the grand hall, the French delegation was greeted by chefs and waiters. They served seafood (squid, lobsters, shellfish, local fishes and crabs, including Coconut Crabs), Filipino dishes such as Lechon (rotisseried whole pig), Chicken/Beef Adobo, "Bicol Express" stew, Sisig, Blue Marlin ceviche, and Bulalo (beef shank soup), local fruits, desserts, and Filipino-made alcoholic beverages.

President Fidel Ramos: "I'm sure you're all tired and hungry on your way here. Please accept this feast and make yourselves comfortable. Today might be a long day as we have important things to discuss."


@Moe

 

[Moe]

"Oh, by all means, we will. The Lechon was secretly on my wish list of foods that may be served. And right after that, Adobo. I would like to make a toast with one of those beverages if I could. No better way to unwind then some good local food and beverages. This is truly spectacular, Mister President. I cannot wait to report back."

After being handed a glass he stands and says.

"To all in attendance here at this historic occasion. I salute our hosts for making this event happen. What we are about to embark on here is going to be extraordinary.

He then stands and raises his glass and looks to those in attendance "Tagoy!" He then clinks his glass with President Ramos.

@Apingdaldal

 

[Apingdaldal]

"Isang tagay para sa tagumpay" (A toast for success.)" President Fidel Ramos clinks glasses with VP Le-Pen. After gulping the 1st glass of San Miguel Pale Pilsen beer, he then whispered to VP Le-Pen: "Also a toast for your future Presidential victory". Apparently, DFA Secretary Siazon Jr. has already informed the Philippine President of VP Le-Pen's plan for the next French national election.

Lunchtime begins. The Lechon, still whole, was put in front of the table where both Pres. Ramos amd VP Le-Pen are seated.

A waiter started chopping the Lechon and began serving it to the French guests and to the Philippine President and DFA secretary. Inside the grand hall, a disk jockey (DJ) started playing modern music to liven up the mood of the guest (and to liven up their appetites. Coincidentally, the DJ played a 90's billboard top-charting French pop song which happen to be popular in the Philippines:

Once they finished their meals, they will start the formal meeting.

President Ramos politely ask VP Le-Pen if he smokes.

@Moe

 

[Moe]

The Vice President winks at President Ramos then pulls out two individually tubed Cohiba's from the inside of his jacket.



"Will these do Mister President?"

He then unwraps one tube for the President hands it to him and then whips out a Zippo lighter.

"Allow me Mister President," he says as he lights the Presidents cigar.

After a long lunch of a few San Miguel's, waaaaay too much Lechon and Adobo, and the Vice-President's new favorite, Bulalo, he says to the President,

"After this I would like to take some time off, perhaps a few hours to rest and refresh, and then lets hit these meetings hard around 7pm. Agreeably to you, Mister President?"

@Apingdaldal

 

[Apingdaldal]

Being a cigar aficionado himself (President Fidel Ramos is popularly called "Mr. Tabako / Mr. Tobacco" in the Philippines), President Ramos would gladly oblige and accept the expensive Cohiba cigar offered by VP Le-Pen.

We would also bring out a wooden case with Flor de Filipinas cigars made by Tabaqueria de Filipinas. President Ramos would offer the entire "caja" (case) to VP Le-Pen.

While enjoying their tobacco "session", President Ramos would agree to start the talks at 7pm. He would offer them to stay at the Presidential Mansion inside Malacanang Palace to rest. The PSG Guards would escort the French delegation to the Presidential Mansion which is just wlakign distance from the grand hall. Presidential staffs would also be accommodating all their needs and requests.

At the Presidential mansion, President Ramos would point out from the window the golf course which is just beside the Presidential mansion. President Ramos would tell VP Le-Pen that he'll play golf since there are still lots of time before 7pm, and he would politely tell VP Le-Pen that they're welcome to join him in the golf course.

@Moe

 

[Moe]

"I must thank you Mister President. It is a splendid gift. Oh, and I would never miss a chance at a round of golf. But perhaps with time pending we can at least get in nine holes and we can talk some shop while we're on the course. What do you say?"

@Apingdaldal

 

[Apingdaldal]

"Sure." says President Fidel Ramos to VP Le-Pen. Presidential staffs then accompanied VP Le-Pen and the other guest in the changing room and lend them some sports clothes and golfing gears. President Ramos also changed attires and took his golf set.

Both French and Filipino delegates headed to the golf course and started playing casually.

While walking from one hole to another, President Ramos asked VP Le-Pen:

"Mr. Vice President Le-Pen, assuming your already President, what can the Philippines and the world, expect from France?"

@Moe

 

[Moe]

Just before teeing up on the 8th Hole, VP Le-Pen would say, "With so much uncertainty in the world recently, I am committed to maintaining a powerful military. However, France is going to remain neutral in world affairs. We want to be able to work with all countries, regardless of political outlook or system. I want to spread French technology, not only to ensure French economic growth, but to do some good in the world. This is part of the reason why the French Minister of the Interior is here."
@Apingdaldal