The Philippines and France have signed a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) aimed at strengthening defense cooperation and expanding joint military activities.
The agreement was signed in Paris by Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and French Minister for the Armed Forces and Veterans Catherine Vautrin.
In a joint statement, both countries said the agreement would enhance cooperation and provide legal protection for joint activities between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the French Armed Forces.
The two sides also discussed regional security concerns in the Indo-Pacific, Middle East, and Europe, emphasizing the importance of multilateralism, a rules-based international order, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
They reaffirmed their commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and recognized the significance of the South China Sea Arbitral Award.
Teodoro and Vautrin also expressed their intent to further deepen defense ties between the two countries.
(PHOTO COURTESY: DND)
