The Philippines is eyeing more defense pacts with other nations, particularly South Korea, following the country’s recent signing of a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SoVFA) with New Zealand.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of this year’s Exercise Balikatan between the Philippines and United States at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Friday, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. emphasized the growing military and defense cooperation with other countries “is not just strategic, but also based on shared democratic values and mutual respect.”

Brawner touted the increasing number of participants from Japan and Australia in the recently concluded Balikatan exercise, attributing it to the defense agreements the Philippines has with both countries.

“It is with great pride that we also welcome the other participants who have come for the first time. For instance, Japan has increased its number of participants, and we are looking forward to having more participants from Australia because we already have agreements with them,” he said.

Brawner stressed the country’s efforts to expand its defense network with like-minded nations to enhance regional stability and cooperation, expressing hope for a defense pact with South Korea.