Germany open to discussing VFA with PH - ambassador

Metro Manila, Philippines - Germany is open to discussing the possibility of a visiting forces agreement (VFA) with the Philippines given geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in the South China Sea.

"We would definitely be willing to look into that once the Philippines is ready," said German Ambassador Andreas Pfaffernoschke in an interview with NewsWatch Plus.

The ambassador said there is no proposal as yet from the Philippine side on such a deal.

"When it comes to a visiting forces agreement, we have not proposed this step to our Filipino friends. If the Philippines comes to us with a proposal, then we can discuss it. But as of now, it's not an issue that's on the table, though it may be in the future," the envoy stated.

Pfaffernoschke said both countries are committed to strengthening defense cooperation.

"The Philippines and Germany are working together to safeguard the international order. We believe that the international rules-based order is the foundation for a peaceful and stable world, as well as for sustainable development," he added.

During the visit of German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius in August, both countries agreed to expedite a defense deal by the end of the year.

"We already sent a draft a couple of weeks ago, so we can continue working on it," Pistorius told President Bongbong Marcos on Aug. 5.

Germany has also raised its support for the Philippine Coast Guard, delivering two drones for maritime surveillance this year. The German envoy said two more drones are expected to arrive in the country soon.

The Philippines is negotiating a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement with France and Canada. The country also recently signed a Reciprocal Access Agreement with Japan in July.