France and the Philippines are set to initiate discussions next month for a defense pact that would allow troops to conduct exercises on each other's soil.

The French ambassador to Manila says her country and the Philippines will start talks next month on a proposed defense pact that would allow troops from each country to hold exercises in the other's territory.

Negotiations between France and the Philippines for a possible Visiting Forces Agreement, which will allow French forces to train with Filipino counterparts, will start in May, France's top envoy to Manila said Thursday.

French software maker Dassault Systemes reported on Thursday a rise of 6% in first-quarter revenue, supported by growth in its software business, but the number came in slightly below analysts' estimates.