The Philippines is moving to deepen its defense ties with the United Kingdom as the two countries begin negotiations on an agreement that would govern the temporary presence of British troops in the country.
The Department of National Defense (DND) said the first round of talks was held Thursday, with both sides seeking to improve military cooperation and make it easier for their armed forces to operate together during joint activities.
The Philippine delegation was led by DND Undersecretary for Acquisition and Resource Management Salvador Melchor B. Mison Jr., while the British side was headed by Ministry of Defence Indo-Pacific head Amy Senior.
Mison said the UK has been a strong partner of the Philippines in supporting international rules, including those governing maritime rights and freedom of navigation.
“We appreciate UK’s unqualified support as a like-minded partner in upholding the rules-based international order and preserving freedoms ensured by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),” Mison said.
The proposed Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) would establish the legal ground rules for British military personnel temporarily entering Philippine territory for activities such as training, exercises and other forms of defense cooperation.
It would cover practical and legal issues, including the entry and exit of foreign troops, jurisdiction, logistics and arrangements for military activities.
For the Philippines, the proposed agreement would add another defense partner to a growing network of countries with similar arrangements.
Manila already has visiting forces agreements with the United States, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Canada and France.
The DND said the negotiations with the UK are part of efforts to strengthen strategic defense cooperation and interoperability as security challenges in the Indo-Pacific become increasingly complex.
The talks also reflect the Philippines’ continuing effort to build stronger security partnerships with countries that support international law, particularly amid tensions in the South China Sea.
No final agreement has been reached, with negotiations expected to continue between the two governments.
