PH, France sign visiting forces deal to deepen defense ties

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and France signed a visiting forces agreement in Paris, establishing a legal framework for joint military activities as Manila expands defense ties beyond its traditional partners amid rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin formalized the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) on Thursday, the Department of National Defense said in a joint press release issued Friday. The agreement sets the terms for the presence of Filipino and French troops in each other’s territory during joint exercises, training and other activities, and defines […]... Keep on reading: PH, France sign visiting forces deal to deepen defense ties

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