PH, South Korea eye Visiting Forces Agreement

The Philippines is exploring the possibility of establishing a Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with South Korea, with initial steps expected after South Korea's elections on June 3.

This potential VFA is seen as crucial by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. due to existing military interoperability between the two nations.

Teodoro also highlighted that some of the Philippines' military assets are sourced from South Korea, further underscoring the importance of such an agreement.

The announcement was made by Armed Forces of the Philippines chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. during the closing ceremony of the Balikatan Exercise 2025.

Brawner also mentioned that the Philippines has already signed a similar agreement with New Zealand and is in the process of finalizing deals with Canada and France.