France, SoKor rally behind PH in boosting maritime defense

Amid China's territorial aggression at the West Philippine Sea, France and South Korea have expressed support to strengthen the maritime defense of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The French Embassy announced Wednesday the possibility of establishing a defense pact similar to the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and the United States.

Ambassador Marie Fontanel, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic to the Republic of the Philippines, said that, "One very important aspect of course is the possibility for opening discussion for a Visiting Forces Agreement, which makes the relationship also at a strategic level but also on an operational level."

The VFA is an accord between the Philippines and the United States, aimed at supporting the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) wherein the US is obligated to protect the Philippines in case of any attack on its naval and air vessels.

It was previously announced that the Philippines and Japan are also finalizing a similar agreement called the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), which will allow visits by naval and air vessels to the Philippines to be more frequent and robust.

France also expressed readiness to participate in joint maritime patrol operations in the Philippine waters, including the West Philippine Sea.

The French ambassador added that, "Maybe if we finalize the negotiations of the VFA, that will also be complementary to other possibilities like joint patrols someday."

Last Monday, France and the Philippines signed a Letter of Intent for bilateral defense cooperation.

Support from Seoul

South Korea, which previously refrained from involvement in the South China Sea territorial dispute, expressed its willingness to join efforts in improving and strengthening the capabilities of the Philippine military.

Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea on Tuesday said, "We believe that for the modernization of the Philippine Armed Forces, there is no other friend who has more experience and track record for cooperation in this area. Korea is the most well-prepared and ready partner."

Aside from the issue of dispute with China over territories in the West Philippine Sea, both France and South Korea expressed solidarity with the Philippines in finding the perpetrators of the bomb attack at Mindanao State University in Marawi City, while extending their condolences to the victims.—VDV, GMA Integrated News