PH, France end 2nd round of visiting forces agreement talks

MANILA, December 13 ------ The second round of negotiations between the Philippines and France on the proposed Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) successfully concluded the Department of National Defense (DND) said.

DND Undersecretary for Strategic Assessment and Planning Ignacio Madriaga, the negotiation committee chair, led the Philippine delegation, while the French delegation was headed by Rear Admiral Jérôme Theillier from the Ministry of the Armed Forces of France. Describing the activity as an important step in strengthening the bilateral defense relations between the two countries, the DND said in its statement that the proposed Status of the Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) "seeks to establish a clear legal framework governing the presence and activities of visiting forces, thereby facilitating more effective military engagements, trainings, and cooperative activities between the two nations."

Both sides found the discussion productive and are positive about the results, the DND added. "These talks underscore the shared commitment of the Philippines and France to deepening defense relations, enhancing interoperability, and strengthening cooperation in support of regional peace and stability. The SOVFA is seen as a key pillar in sustaining momentum in bilateral engagements and expanding avenues for practical cooperation," it said.

The DND said both the Philippines and France agreed on the importance of upholding a rules-based international order, safeguarding maritime security, and fostering a stable, peaceful, and resilient Indo-Pacific region. "In gearing towards becoming long-standing partners, the Philippines and France recognize that closer defense cooperation contributes significantly to collective efforts to address evolving security challenges."

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. greenlighted the negotiation between the two countries to enter a VFA on March 2025, after the SOVFA with New Zealand and Canada ended last February 20 and March 7, respectively. Philippines has signed VFAs with United States (Visiting Forces Agreement signed in 1998), Australia (SOVFA signed in 2007), and Japan (Reciprocal Access Agreement signed in July last year). The RAA with Japan was ratified by the Senate last December.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com