Philippines and France Sign First European Visiting Forces Pact

The Philippines and France signed a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) on March 26, 2026, during the Paris Defense and Strategy Forum at École Militaire. This pact marks the first such agreement between the Philippines and a European partner, facilitating joint military training and defense cooperative activities within each other's territories.

Gilbert Teodoro Jr., the Philippine Defense Secretary, and French Minister of the Armed Forces Catherine Vautrin signed the deal to improve interoperability in disaster response, domain awareness, and maritime security. The agreement follows a directive from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. a year prior to begin negotiations. The pact now awaits ratification by the legislatures of both nations.

The signing occurred amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea. One day prior to the agreement, the Philippine military accused a Chinese missile frigate of conducting unsafe and unprofessional maneuvers against the BRP Benguet near Thitu Island.