Philippines ratifies military pact with Australia

With 17 votes in favor, 1 against and no abstentions, the Philippine Senate on July 24 approved a military treaty with Australia, which sets out regulations for military forces of the two countries to visit each other.

Philippine Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile said the ratification of the treaty would not only help the Philippines and Australia improve their defense mechanisms but also strengthen the traditional historical relationship between the two countries.

Philippine Army. (Source: Internet)

On the same day, July 24, Philippine President Benigno Aquino's spokesman, Mr. Edwin Lacierda, welcomed the Senate's decision. In a statement, Mr. Lacierda said: "By ratifying the Agreement on the Status of Visiting Forces between the Philippines and Australia, the Senate has taken an important step to strengthen national and regional security."

Previously, in 1995, the two countries signed a preliminary agreement on defense and military cooperation.

The "Status of Visiting Forces Agreement" was signed in 2007 but has not been ratified by the Philippine Congress, as the country's constitution prohibits foreign forces from being permanently stationed on Philippine territory./.

According to (TTXVN) - DT