Paris: The Philippines and France are expected to deepen their security ties as ranking defense leaders of the two nations will meet on the sidelines of the 2026 Paris Defence and Strategy Forum (PDSF) this week. Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. is expected to meet with his counterpart, French Minister of the Armed Forces Catherine Vautrin, at the event set from March 24 to 26, Defense spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong said in a statement on Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Andolong stated that Manila and Paris will further deepen their "bilateral partnership and cross-regional convergence" during this meeting. France is among the partners that share the Philippines' commitment to protecting the rules-based order and advancing security and stability in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

The two countries in December last year concluded formal negotiations for a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA), the Philippines' first with a European partner. The SOVFA, upon entry into force, will provide the legal framework to govern the presence and activities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the French Armed Forces in each other's territories, allowing more effective military training and engagements among partner nations.

"Upon invitation from Minister Vautrin, Secretary Teodoro will also deliver a keynote speech on 'Conflicts and Competitions' on the second day of the PDSF, before security and strategy leaders from around the world. Secretary Teodoro's participation marks the first time that a defense minister from Southeast Asia is attending and contributing to the PDSF," Andolong added.

Organized by the Defence Academy of the ‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬°cole militaire (ACADEM) of France, the PDSF is a major international forum that provides a valuable avenue for dialogue among states, institutions, militaries, researchers, and civilian stakeholders on regional and global strategic and geopolitical issues.