The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is looking at having a visiting forces agreement (VFA) with South Korea, top military and defense officials reveal on Friday.

Following the recent signing of the defense pact between the Philippines and New Zealand, AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. expressed hope the Philippines can have a visiting forces deal with other countries, including South Korea.

"We have also already signed the status of visiting forces agreement with New Zealand, and very soon with Canada, with France, and hopefully with South Korea," he said.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said that the Philippines is still waiting for the completion of the election in South Korea before pushing for a VFA.

"Well, it is also important for us because we have interoperability with them and the FA-50's were comes from them," he said.

Brawner said the AFP is looking forward to having more participants from the Australian Defense Force and Japan Self-Defense Forces in the future Balikatan exercises noting the existing Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) with Australia and the Reciprocal Assess Agreement (RAA) that is still being ratified by the Japanese parliament.

"It is with great pride that we welcome also the other participants who have come for the first time. For instance, Japan has already increased their number of participants, and we are looking forward to having more of the participants from Australia and Japan because we already have agreements with them," he said.

"To our allies, observers, and partners, your presence and support enrich this exercise and deepen our collective commitment to regional peace and security. Today, we are forging not only stronger armed forces, but a more secure world," he added. Robina Asido/DMS