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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider South Korean embassy clarifies idea of possible VFA with PH

South Korean embassy clarifies idea of possible VFA with PH

Published Sep 21, 2024 08:11 am

South Korea’s embassy in Manila on Saturday, Sept. 21, clarified that it was the experts that floated the idea of a possible Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between Seoul and Manila.

In a statement, the embassy said that Seoul’s envoy in the country, Lee Sang-hwa, could not still speak of any progress or details about such a recommendation as the idea is still being reviewed by relevant authorities in South Korea.

The clarification was made after Lee told reporters at the sidelines of Stratbase ADR Institute forum that the South Korean Defense Ministry “is giving a thought” on a possible VFA with the Philippines as suggested by experts.

"In a short interview with the press following the first session, while referring to the above ideas mentioned by the experts, Amb. Lee said that there have been discussions in Korea—to mean that the topic has been explored by experts widely—but so far as the relevant authorities are concerned, there has not been any progress or details that he can speak of," the embassy said.

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