France awaits official details after Marcos OK’s VFA talks

Metro Manila, Philippines - The French government has expressed readiness to begin discussions on a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) with the Philippines after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. greenlit the process.

French Ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontanel said France has yet to receive official communication from Philippine authorities.

“We haven't been officially informed of that so far, so we are still waiting for the Department of Foreign Affairs or the Department of National Defense to come back to us,” Fontanel told reporters on Friday, April 11.

France submitted the first draft of the proposed agreement in October 2023. Last month, officials from both countries held a consultation in Manila where discussions focused on strengthening bilateral defense cooperation.

Fontanel said the two sides can begin the first round of negotiations for the agreement once formal notification is received.

Malacañang earlier said that forging more VFA-like agreements with like-minded nations will boost the interoperability of the Armed Forces of the Philippines with international partners.

Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed on March 25 that President Marcos had approved the beginning of negotiations with France.

In December 2023, French Minister of Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu made his first visit to the Philippines. He and Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro signed a letter of intent to build a stronger defense partnership, covering strategic training and industrial cooperation.

The Philippines has VFAs with the United States and Australia, while a recently signed agreement with Japan is still awaiting ratification by the Japanese Diet.

Aside from France, the Philippines has also concluded SOFVA negotiations with New Zealand and Canada.