PH open to possible VFA with UK — Manalo
Metro Manila, Philippines – The Philippines is open to exploring the possibility of a visiting forces agreement (VFA) with the United Kingdom, according to Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo.
Manalo mentioned that discussions around a potential new defense agreement could be pursued following the signing of the Philippines-UK Joint Framework, which will strengthen the two nations' partnership in areas such as politics, economics, consular services, climate change, and defense.
“There's a possibility but nothing firm yet, only general talks, but certainly, that's something on the horizon," Manalo said in an interview with reporters on Saturday, March 8.
Manalo recently held a bilateral meeting with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Saturday to discuss key areas of cooperation between the Philippines and the UK.
“Secretary Lammy and I agreed to sustain cooperation on matters of pressing mutual concern such as defense and security, human rights, maritime issues, and economic resilience," said Manalo in his speech after the meeting.
The DFA chief also revealed that both nations agreed to continue participation in joint military exercises and maritime patrols. British naval vessels are expected to increase engagements with the Philippines.
"Secretary Lammy and I also took the opportunity today to exchange views on many regional and global issues, determined to find more common ground in emphasizing our commitment to democracy, international law, and a rules-based international order," Manalo added.
Strengthening ties amid global volatility
Lammy, for his part, underscored the importance of committing to the rule of law as maritime nations.
“We are countries that are committed to the rules-based order. We are countries that take our obligations under the UN Charter seriously. And that is why we have stood together in supporting Ukraine and supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific, understanding that the Euro-Atlantic arena and the Indo-Pacific arena are indivisible," he said.
The British foreign minister further emphasized that like-minded partners must unite to address global challenges.
lToday, we are charting a new course for our relationship amidst a lot of global volatility. We must strengthen ties with like-minded partners like the Philippines. It is for me to come to the Philippines off the back of a trip that I made to Japan, to come to countries where we see the world through the same eyes, where we're aligned in our approach. There is so much that we can continue to do together," Lammy said.
Before meeting with Manalo, Lammy visited the Philippine Coast Guard and also paid a courtesy call to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the Malacañang Palace.
