Philippines, France to pursue key defence pact

Defence ministers for the Philippines and France vowed to pursue an agreement that would allow them to deploy troops to each other's territories.

During a meeting in Manila, the two ministers agreed to seek authorization from their respective presidents and relevant agencies to start negotiations for a visiting forces agreement.

The Philippines already has similar pacts with the United States and Australia, and has agreed to start talks for one with Japan.

The agreements create the legal framework for countries to send defence personnel to each other's territory for training and other operations.