The Philippines and France are close to finalizing an agreement that would allow joint military exercises on each other’s territory, in the latest sign of Manila’s growing security cooperation with its partners.

Philippines’ Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. told senators during a budget hearing on Oct. 7 that negotiations for a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) are in their final stages. Formal talks for the defense pact began in Paris in June 2025.

“We are now on the final round of negotiations. Hopefully, their government can act on it, given the developments in France,” Teodoro said, referring to the political turmoil in Paris following the resignation of Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu just 26 days into the role.

Lecornu, who previously served as France’s defense minister, was instrumental in pushing forward the SOVFA talks, according to Teodoro. He visited Manila in 2023, where they agreed to enhance bilateral defense cooperation, including the possibility of a visiting forces agreement.

“I am confident, anyway, that the foreign policy [of France] will not change,” Teodoro said.

The Philippines currently has similar agreements in place with the United States, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand. A SOVFA with Canada is expected to be signed this year, while preliminary discussions with the United Kingdom are underway.

A SOVFA provides a legal framework for joint military and humanitarian operations, facilitating interoperability, training, and smooth coordination between armed forces. It also allows for quicker joint responses to regional crises and natural disasters.

France has significantly increased its defense engagements with the Philippines in recent years. In February, the French Carrier Strike Group made an unprecedented visit to the country as part of Mission CLEMENCEAU 25.

Following the signing of a letter of intent to strengthen defense cooperation during Lecornu’s 2023 visit, the French frigate Vendémiaire participated in the 2024 Balikatan exercises. This was followed by the Pegase mission by the French Air and Space Force in Pampanga, France’s participation in Exercise Sama Sama, and a port call by the frigate Prairial in Cebu.

France also posted a permanent defense attaché to Manila in June 2024.