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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DND: PH, France discussions on visiting forces of agreement productive, on the right track

DND: PH, France discussions on visiting forces of agreement productive, on the right track

Published Dec 11, 2025 06:26 pm
photo: DND
photo: DND
The efforts of the Philippine government to strike a visiting forces agreement with France is on the right track following what the Department of National Defense (DND) described as productive two-day second round of negotiations.
In a statement, the DND said the proposed Philippines–France Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) will be a big boost in strengthening bilateral defense cooperation between the two countries.
“These talks underscore the shared commitment of the Philippines and France to deepening defense relations, enhancing interoperability, and strengthening cooperation in support of regional peace and stability,” the statement read.
“Both sides described the discussions as productive and constructive, expressing optimism about the outcome of the ongoing negotiations,” it added.
The Philippine delegation was led by Undersecretary for Strategic Assessment and Planning Ignacio B. Madriaga, who also serves as Chairperson of the negotiation committee. Rear Admiral Jérôme Theillier, Head of International Security Affairs of the Directorate General for International Relations and Strategy, Ministry of the Armed Forces of France, headed the French delegation.
The proposed SOVFA seeks to establish a clear legal framework governing the presence and activities of visiting forces, thereby facilitating more effective military engagements, trainings, and cooperative activities between the two nations.
The SOVFA is seen as a key pillar in sustaining momentum in bilateral engagements and expanding avenues for practical cooperation.
“Both delegations reaffirmed the importance of upholding a rules-based international order, safeguarding maritime security, and fostering a stable, peaceful, and resilient Indo-Pacific region,” the DND statement read.
“In gearing towards becoming long-standing partners, the Philippines and France recognize that closer defense cooperation contributes significantly to collective efforts to address evolving security challenges,” it added.
Part of the discussion is the planned Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activities, including preparations for Multinational Exercise MARARA 2026, Exercise Balikatan 2026, and Exercise SAMASAMA 2026.
According to the DND, the participation in these exercises underscores the growing and long-term defense partnership between the Philippines and France.
The discussions also covered an exchange of views on Indo-Pacific security developments, with a particular focus on Pacific Island clusters and the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea, critical undersea infrastructures, ongoing minilateral initiatives, and broader regional strategic issues.
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