DND welcomes Senate approval of PH-France SOVFA

The Department of National Defense on Thursday welcomed the Senate’s concurrence with the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement between the Philippines and France, calling it a major step in strengthening defense ties with a European partner.

The Senate approved the agreement through Senate Resolution No. 650.

“We express our appreciation to the Senate for sharing the Department’s vision of credible deterrence, where we stand together with our partners across the globe for mutual resilience and towards contributing to the peace and stability in the region,” the DND said.

The department noted that the agreement is the Philippines’ first SOVFA with a European country.

DND said France has been a reliable partner in upholding international law, citing its support for the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and recognition of the 2016 Arbitral Award.

The department also highlighted France’s advanced defense capabilities, which it said could contribute to the Philippines’ efforts to strengthen its defense supply chain.

“France's consistent willingness to not only participate but also grow convergence across our shared domains makes it an indispensable partner of the Philippines,” the DND said.

The department vowed to continue expanding defense cooperation with like-minded countries to strengthen the Philippines’ deterrence posture and contribute to regional stability.

“We look forward to the entry into force of the SOVFA with France and to further strengthening our defense partnership for the benefit of our peoples and the Indo-Pacific region,” it said.