PH, UK to start talks on Visiting Forces Agreement

The Philippines and the United Kingdom are preparing to formally negotiate a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) to enhance defense cooperation and interoperability.

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. confirmed the UK's intent following a letter from the British Minister of Defense expressing interest in a bilateral defense framework.

The UK's Minister of State for Defense, Lord Vernon Coaker, visited Navy Headquarters and affirmed the UK's support for freedom of navigation and upholding international maritime law in the Indo-Pacific.

Coaker's visit coincided with the port call of the Royal Navy frigate HMS Richmond in Manila, highlighting the strengthening bilateral defense relations between the two countries.

The proposed pact aims to allow British forces to operate on Philippine soil under defined legal parameters, with the UK becoming the second European country to pursue such a deal with Manila.

Teodoro expressed confidence that the SOVFA will face no major hurdles, requiring President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.'s approval and subsequent consultations with the Department of Foreign Affairs.