The Philippines and France will start talks next month on a defense pact that would allow troops from each country to hold exercises in the other’s territory, according to French Ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontanel.
Fontanel said that the Philippines and France will discuss “how to proceed with negotiations” for the military accord when the two countries’ cooperation and defense committees meet in Paris on May 20 to 21.
“We will have an opportunity in May to maybe start officially the negotiations, or at least discuss the modalities because there will be a meeting in Paris of the cooperation in defense committee, which is a regular committee, that has already taken place last year, (and held) every 18 months. It’s a regular one,” Fontanel said.
“That’s the perfect occassion to officially discuss the ways to negotiate the VFA,” she added.
The plan to start the talks was included in the letter of intent signed in Manila in December 2023 by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and French Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu.
The Philippines has been working to expand security cooperation with international allies in view of tensions arising from its maritime dispute with China in the West Philippine Sea.
The country currently has a VFA with the United States and Australia, while negotiations are also under way for a similar accord with Japan.
France is also taking part in this year’s “Balikatan” exercises between Filipino and American forces.
“Of course, you can see the dynamic here. We were observers last year and now we are participating. And you will see … many other port calls or stopovers in the future. So clearly, it means that we are committed and we want to do more,” she said. (GP)
