Philippines Extends Military Deal With US: Foreign Minister
Sumaira FH Published June 14, 2021 | 08:00 PM
The Philippines will extend a key military pact with the United States for another six months, its foreign minister said Monday, after months-long negotiations between the two countries
Manila, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Jun, 2021 ) :The Philippines will extend a key military pact with the United States for another six months, its foreign minister said Monday, after months-long negotiations between the two countries.
President Rodrigo Duterte told the United States in February last year he planned to axe the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), after Washington cancelled the visa of a close ally who led his internationally condemned war on drugs.
It is the third time Duterte has prolonged the deal, which provides the legal framework for joint military exercises with the United States and is a key component of their decades-long alliance.
"The president conveyed to us his decision to extend the suspension of the abrogation of the Visiting Forces Agreement by another six months while he studies and both sides further address his concerns regarding particular aspects of the agreement," Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin said.
A foreign affairs spokeswoman said the department was waiting for details from Duterte's office on the specific areas of concern.
The US embassy in Manila did not respond to a request for comment.
Duterte's decision -- which followed lengthy talks between both sides on the agreement -- comes amid renewed tensions between Manila and Beijing over the South China Sea, where several countries have competing claims.
Duterte has repeatedly threatened to break from long-standing security ties with the United States, the Southeast Asian country's former colonial master, in favour of closer links with China.
The two countries held scaled-down joint drills in April, after last year's war games were cancelled due to Covid-19.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
Shahzeb Chachar to hold khuli kachehri on April 26
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
Court adjourns Judicial Complex attack case till May 17
Nasreen Noori’s book ‘Popatan Jahra Khwab’ launched
Wafaqi Mohtasib inspection team visits Excise and taxation office
AJLAC announces 5th Conference titled ‘People’s Mandate: Safeguarding Civil ..
Pak-US officials engage to enhance trade, investment ties
IBCC to promote educational excellence, expand regional presence
Pakistani 'Blue Helmets' serving UN Peacekeeping Mission in DR Congo set to leav ..
Putin says plans to visit China in May
More Stories From World
-
Slot 'confident' of Liverpool job as 'negotiations' take place
2 hours ago -
Google parent Alphabet's Q1 profits beat estimates: company
2 hours ago -
WADA asks 'independent prosecutor' to examine Chinese swimmers case
2 hours ago -
New York court overturns Harvey Weinstein sex crime conviction
2 hours ago -
Bagnaia and Spanish rivals chase victory at Jerez
4 hours ago -
Russian, Ukrainian strikes kill at least 10 in frontline regions
4 hours ago
-
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
4 hours ago -
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
4 hours ago -
Pakistani 'Blue Helmets' serving UN Peacekeeping Mission in DR Congo set to leave after 20 years of ..
5 hours ago -
Putin says plans to visit China in May
5 hours ago -
US reinstates open internet rules rescinded under Trump
5 hours ago -
Honda announces US$11 bn EV battery and vehicle plant in Canada
5 hours ago