PH, UK to start negotiations for Status of Visiting Forces Agreement

The Philippines and the United Kingdom are progressing towards establishing a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA).

This potential agreement was discussed during a meeting between Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and UK Minister of State for Defence Lord Vernon Coaker.

Both nations have agreed to initiate their internal processes and begin formal negotiations for the SOVFA.

The proposed agreement aims to bolster operational collaboration and interoperability between the armed forces of both countries.

The UK's interest in a SOVFA with the Philippines was conveyed through a letter from UK Secretary of State for Defence John Healey.

Secretary Teodoro highlighted that this move signifies a growing alignment between Europe and the Indo-Pacific region in supporting a rules-based international order.

Lord Coaker's visit coincided with the port call of the British guided missile frigate HMS Richmond in the Philippines as part of a UK deployment to the Indo-Pacific.