Paris Pact, Pinoy Style: PH and France Seal Troop Access Deal

The Philippines and France have signed a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement, a move that makes it easier for both countries to send troops to each other’s territory for joint activities. Big deal ito for Manila as it keeps building defense ties with more countries habang umiinit ang tension sa rehiyon.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. signed the agreement in Paris with French Minister for the Armed Forces and Veterans Catherine Vautrin after a bilateral meeting. Teodoro said the two countries reached this stage quickly because they already had years of trust, confidence, and shared goals.

The new pact adds France to the Philippines’ growing circle of defense partners. Manila already has a long-standing Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States, a similar deal with Australia, and a Reciprocal Access Agreement with Japan. Under the Marcos administration, agreements were also signed with Canada and New Zealand, while talks with the United Kingdom are about to begin.

Teodoro said the agreement is part of a wider effort to improve both countries’ defense capabilities and help protect the international order under international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Kahit wala pa noon ang pirma, France had already been joining activities with the Philippine Navy in the West Philippine Sea.

France is also expected to send Navy ships to Balikatan 2026, showing how security ties are getting deeper. For the Philippines, the deal fits into the government’s strategy of expanding partnerships as it faces China’s continued pressure in the South China Sea while still trying to manage diplomatic relations with Beijing.

Source: Rappler — https://www.rappler.com/philippines/france-visiting-forces-agreement/