Marcos Jr. OKs VFA talks with France, others

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved negotiations for Visiting Forces Agreements (VFAs) between the Philippines and France, as well as other countries, according to Malacañang on Tuesday.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed that Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro is authorized to start VFA discussions with France and potentially other nations.

The Philippines has existing VFAs or similar agreements with the United States, Australia, and Japan.

Teodoro previously announced during an event in Puerto Princesa City that Status of Visiting Forces Agreements (SOVFAs) with New Zealand and Canada were finalized on February 20 and March 7, respectively.

The agreement with France is expected to enhance military cooperation between the two countries, including exchanges of ideas, skills, and operational know-how.