Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has given the go-ahead for negotiations aimed at establishing possible visiting forces agreements (VFAs) with France and other countries, as announced by Malaca±ang on Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed the President's decision to authorize Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro to initiate discussions on the VFA. "Opo, naaprubahan na po iyan, ang pakikipag-negotiate po para po magkaroon po ng agreement ang dalawang bansa po (Yes, that has been approved, the negotiations for the two countries to have an agreement)," Castro stated during a Palace press briefing.

Castro further clarified that the potential agreement is not limited to France, indicating that other countries might also enter into similar negotiations. "Hindi lamang po ang France. May iba pa pong bansa na maaaring sumunod po dito at iyan po naman ay inaprubahan naman po ng Pangulo (It's not just France. There are other countries that may follow suit, and that has been approved by the President)," she added.

The proposed agreement aims to enhance the Philippines' operational compatibility with France and other potential partners. Castro mentioned, "Siyempre po may (Of course, there is) exchange of ideas, exchange of skills, exchange of know-how tungkol sa (about) military operation."

On Monday, Defense Secretary Teodoro revealed that discussions between the Philippines and France regarding the VFA have concluded, with plans to sign the agreement in April. The Philippines currently holds a VFA with the United States, a Status of VFA with Australia, and a Reciprocal Access Agreement with Japan to strengthen defense partnerships and facilitate collaborative military endeavors.