PH, UK eye visiting forces agreement

The Philippines and the United Kingdom (UK) are planning to enter into a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA), the Department of National Defense (DND) said Tuesday.

The possibility of an agreement between Manila and London was presented when Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. received UK Minister of State for Defence Lord Vernon Coaker during the British official’s visit to Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City, the DND said in a statement.

“They agreed to undertake their respective internal processes and commence formal negotiations for the proposed SOVFA, which will enhance operational collaboration and interoperability between the Philippine and British Armed Forces,” the Defense Department said.

Coaker during the call presented Teodoro a letter from UK Secretary of State for Defence John Healey, expressing Britain’s intent to enter into a SOVFA with the Philippines.

Teodoro thanked the UK for its interest as the move shows the growing convergence between Europe and the Indo-Pacific in upholding the rules-based international order, the DND said.

Coaker’s trip to the Philippines coincides with the port visit of the guided missile frigate HMS Richmond as part of Operation Highmast, the UK Carrier Strike Group’s deployment to the Indo-Pacific, according to the DND.

“Both sides also exchanged views on the regional security situation, including developments on the South China Sea; military educational exchanges; and defense industry cooperation,” the DND said.

“The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to strengthen the ever-growing defense partnership between the Philippines and the United Kingdom in support of regional and global stability,” it added.

The 1987 Philippine Constitution prohibits foreign troops from establishing permanent military bases in the country. Through visiting forces agreements, foreign militaries may be allowed to enter the country and take part in activities such as joint training, territorial patrols and humanitarian missions.

The Philippines in the past years has expanded maritime and defense security cooperation with other countries amid growing tensions with China in the West Philippines Sea and the South China Sea. — Joviland Rita/RF, GMA Integrated News