The Philippines and France have successfully concluded the second round of negotiations on the proposed Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) on Thursday.
In a statement, the Defense department said that the Philippine delegation was led by Undersecretary for Strategic Assessment and Planning Ignacio Madriaga, while the French team was led by Rear Admiral Jérôme Theillier from the Ministry of the Armed Forces.
The DND said 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, training, and cooperative activities between the two nations.”
Both sides found the discussion productive and are positive about the results, it 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,” the DND 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.”
The Philippines has similar pacts with key defense partners, including the United States, Australia, Japan, Canada, and New Zealand.
