CEBU, Philippines, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines and France are looking into widening cooperation, in particular, intensifying collaboration in security, defense, counter-terror, trade and investments, and culture, Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo said here Saturday.

    Meeting with French Minister Delegate for European Affairs Catherine Colonna on the sidelines of the 12th Summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) here, Romulo underscored the importance of strengthening ties with France to achieve mutual goals of securing greater peace, progress and prosperity in both countries and their regions.

    "To effectively address the challenges of the 21st century to both our countries, bilateral cooperation is a key component in the pursuit of our shared interests," Romulo said.

    He identified security, defense and counter-terror as among the areas France was interested in cooperating with the Philippines.

    "A safe and secure environment is essential for our two nations' continued growth and development. We welcome France's expressed desire -- through Minister Collonna -- to broaden our cooperation in security, defense and counter terrorism," he said.

    "Both our countries have a stake in the fight against terrorism. To break terrorism's backbone, positive and proactive engagement with partners like France is a vital strategy that is necessary both for short and long term successes," Romulo explained.

    According to Romulo, the Philippines is looking at improved information sharing, capacity building and capability and technology upgrading as possible areas of collaboration with France.

    Romulo also emphasized that wide-ranging cooperation was essential for the achievement of the common goals of the Philippines and France, adding that there is a "healthy room for growth in intensified two-way trade and investments" between the two countries.

    He also cited the on-going development partnership between the Philippines and France which has boosted the Philippines' efforts to sustain growth through key infrastructure projects.

    "As we commemorate 60 years of formal diplomatic relations this year, we look forward to a partnership with France that continues to expand and strengthen across all areas mutually beneficial to our nations," Romulo said.

    France, along with Timor-Leste, is scheduled to sign the Accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) with ASEAN Saturday.