South Korea embassy clarifies story on VFA with Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — South Korea’s embassy has clarified that a possible visiting forces agreement (VFA) with Manila has not been thoroughly discussed yet among relevant authorities.

The embassy made the clarification after Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa told reporters recently that the South Korean defense ministry “is giving a thought” on a possible VFA with the Philippines.

In a statement, the embassy said Lee could not speak on the progress or details of the experts’ proposed VFA as the recommendation is still being reviewed. Lee said he was not privy to the details of the review.

“In a short interview with the press following the first session, while referring to the above ideas mentioned by the experts, Ambassador Lee said there have been discussions in Korea – to mean that the topic has been explored by experts widely – but so far as the relevant authorities are concerned, there has not been any progress or details that he can speak of,” the embassy said.

Lee talked with reporters happened on the sidelines of a security forum organized by Stratbase ADR Institute last week.