France touched by expressions of support in PHL

“Today we are all Parisians.” (Photo from Ambafrance Manille’s Facebook page)

MANILA – France has expressed gratitude to the Philippines for its expression of sympathy following last Friday’s deadly attacks that left more than 100 people killed in Paris.

“We are deeply touched by the heartfelt expressions of support in the Philippines extended by President Benigno S. Aquino III, the national and local authorities, the people of the Philippines,” the French Embassy said in a statement.

“France will always fight against extremism and stand for the values of democracy and human rights enshrined in our national motto ‘Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite which was coined in Paris centuries ago,” it said. “Today we are all Parisians.”

Gunmen and bombers late Friday launched coordinated attacks in restaurants, bars, a sports stadium and a concert hall, in an assault blamed by the French government on the Islamic State.

French President Francois Hollande is set to address parliament on Monday and declared three days of national mourning.