Photo courtesy of the DFA
CALOOCAN CITY, June 3 (PIA) -- The country’s top diplomat on Wednesday welcomed President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s suspension of the abrogation of the Philippines' Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States and said military partnership with the superpower will continue.
In a press briefing at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Foreign Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said the Philippine government looks forward to the two nations’ continued defense and security cooperation.
“We look forward to continuing our strong military partnership with the United States even as we continue to reach out to our regional allies in building a common defense towards enduring stability and peace and continuing economic progress and prosperity in our part in the world,” Locsin said.
“Let me assure you that this action alarms no countries in Asia and the rest of the world. On the contrary it greatly reassures everyone,” he added.
He said the President’s decision to continue with the alliance amid "heightened super power tensions" and COVID-19 pandemic is for the “safety” of the Philippines and “peace of the world.”
“In the vast and swiftly changing circumstances of the world, the time of pandemic and heightened super power tensions, a world leader must be quick in mind and fast on his feet for the safety of our nation and the peace of the world,” the official added.
To recall, Duterte initially threatened to terminate the VFA after Washington revoked the US visa of Senator Ronald dela Rosa, a staunch administration supporter and close ally to the President.
Per the agreement, however, official VFA cancellation does not take effect for 180 days upon termination receipt, meaning Manila and Washington has until Aug. 9, 2020 to scrap the accord. (PIA NCR)
CALOOCAN CITY, June 3 (PIA) -- The country’s top diplomat on Wednesday welcomed President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s suspension of the abrogation of the Philippines' Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States and said military partnership with the superpower will continue.
In a press briefing at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Foreign Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said the Philippine government looks forward to the two nations’ continued defense and security cooperation.
“We look forward to continuing our strong military partnership with the United States even as we continue to reach out to our regional allies in building a common defense towards enduring stability and peace and continuing economic progress and prosperity in our part in the world,” Locsin said.
“Let me assure you that this action alarms no countries in Asia and the rest of the world. On the contrary it greatly reassures everyone,” he added.
He said the President’s decision to continue with the alliance amid "heightened super power tensions" and COVID-19 pandemic is for the “safety” of the Philippines and “peace of the world.”
“In the vast and swiftly changing circumstances of the world, the time of pandemic and heightened super power tensions, a world leader must be quick in mind and fast on his feet for the safety of our nation and the peace of the world,” the official added.
To recall, Duterte initially threatened to terminate the VFA after Washington revoked the US visa of Senator Ronald dela Rosa, a staunch administration supporter and close ally to the President.
Per the agreement, however, official VFA cancellation does not take effect for 180 days upon termination receipt, meaning Manila and Washington has until Aug. 9, 2020 to scrap the accord. (PIA NCR)
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