The Philippines and France have strengthened their defense partnership with the signing of a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement last Friday, March 27.
The agreement was formalized during a bilateral meeting between Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin on 26 March at École Militaire in Paris. This move signals a deepening of military cooperation and closer engagement on regional security issues.
Strengthening Bilateral Defense Ties
During the meeting, both officials discussed challenges in the Indo-Pacific, the Middle East and Europe. They highlighted the importance of multilateral cooperation, adherence to international law, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. Both countries reaffirmed their support for the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 arbitral ruling on the South China Sea.
The Status of Visiting Forces Agreement provides legal protections for joint military activities and builds on a December 2023 letter of intent aimed at enhancing defense relations. It is expected to facilitate exchanges, training programs, port visits, and educational initiatives between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the French Armed Forces.
Expanding Cooperation Through ASEAN
France’s active engagement with ASEAN and the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus was also recognized.
The partnership includes participation in humanitarian assistance and disaster response initiatives as well as maritime security efforts. These collaborations reflect both countries’ commitment to promoting regional stability and multilateral cooperation.
