The Philippines and France have officially launched discussions on establishing a Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), with the first round of negotiations held this week in Paris.
The proposed agreement is expected to pave the way for joint military exercises between the two nations within each other’s territories.
French Ambassador Marie Fontanel-Lassalle described the talks as successful and “very promising,” though she acknowledged that the process could take time due to the complex nature of defense negotiations.
She added that if the discussions lead to a signed pact, France would become the first European country to have a VFA with the Philippines.
Currently, the Philippines holds a VFA with its longstanding ally, the United States, signed in 1999, and another with Australia, ratified in 2012.
Last year, the Philippines also signed a Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) with Japan, which recently took effect following ratification.
In April, the Philippines entered into a VFA with New Zealand, and talks with Canada have just concluded.