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Reuters
Reuters
Politics

Philippines suspends decision to scrap troop pact with United States

FILE PHOTO: U.S. military forces cross a flooded area near the shore during the annual Philippines-US amphibious landing exercise (PHIBLEX) at San Antonio, Zambales province, Philippines October 7, 2016. REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco/File Photo

The Philippines has suspended for the third time its decision to scrap a two-decade-old Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States, its foreign minister said on Monday.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin said the suspension would be for a further six months while President Rodrigo Duterte "studies, and both sides further address his concerns regarding, particular aspects of the agreement".

The Philippines is a treaty ally of the United States, and several military agreements are dependent on the VFA. Duterte last year notified Washington he was cancelling the deal, which came amid outrage over a senator and ally being denied a U.S. visa.

FILE PHOTO: Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte fist bumps a supporter at a community gathering event in Singapore, April 28, 2018. REUTERS/Feline Lim/File Photo

(Reporting by Karen Lema; Editing by Gareth Jones)

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