Manila, April 17 -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday underscored its willingness to accept other friendly nations to take part in the annual "Balikatan" exercises provided that they comply with the necessary "legal and operational foundations" for the entry of foreign military troops.

"Exercise 'Balikatan' is a military exercise between the Philippines and the United States (US), and conducted under existing defense bilateral frameworks of the two countries. Participation of other countries in Exercise 'Balikatan' and other Philippines-US military exercises are anchored on established agreements such as a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA), which provide the necessary legal and operational foundations for th...