By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Following recent defense agreements with the United States and Australia, and ongoing talks for a similar pact with Japan, France has signaled its determination to forge a new partnership with the Philippines.
The commitment was made on Saturday, with France pledging to explore an accord that would enable both nations to deploy troops to each other’s territories.
This development aligns with France’s strategic goal of reinforcing its role in the Asia-Pacific region, amidst the ongoing power dynamics between China and the United States.
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro highlighted the shared values and cooperation between France and the Philippines, emphasizing a collaborative approach not only in the South China Sea but also in the broader Pacific area. The aim is to enhance defense cooperation and presence alongside other Oceanic nations.
The defense chief added that he and his French counterpart Sebastien Lecornu agreed to seek authorization from their respective presidents and relevant agencies to start negotiations for a visiting forces agreement (VFA).
Lecornu, the first French defense minister to make an official visit to the Philippines, also disclosed that the French navy already had a “high number of operations and training in the region”.
“We are working on an agenda of strengthening our presence in the Indo-Pacific,” he said.
With this latest development, political pundits told Maharlika NuMedia that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s declaration to be “friend of everyone and enemy to none” seems to be working in the country’s favor against foreign aggression.
(ai/mnm)