Philippines, France near defence pact to boost ‘operational intimacy’ in contested waters
The visiting forces deal comes on top of similar pacts with other nations and could help the Philippines attain a ‘muscular defence arsenal’
The term was coined by French Ambassador to Manila Marie Fontanel, during a freewheeling discussion on Tuesday at her residence.
In a bid to balance the implications of the alliance – a first for the Philippines with a European power – Fontanel also said while her country was a United States ally, it would steer clear of a “US-China confrontation”.
Addressing the Status of Forces Visiting Agreement (Sofva), she quipped: “With the French, you always wish for intimacy anyway. The Sovfa negotiations are now in its final stage and [the signing] may happen in the first semester of the year.”
The Philippines is also exploring similar pacts with the United Kingdom and Germany.
The first round of Sofva negotiations took place in Paris early last year and the second round months later in Manila. According to the Philippines’ Department of National Defence assistant secretary for international affairs Marita Yoro, “Sofva is crucial in establishing a clear legal framework to support joint military activities”.