Manila, June 16 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday expressed openness to a future Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA)-like arrangement with Germany as Manila and Berlin continue to deepen defense and security cooperation.

Speaking during a joint press conference with visiting German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Malacanang, Marcos said the Philippines would "very warmly" entertain such a possibility if both countries eventually decide it is necessary.

"Well, why not? We probably, in reality, we're still a long way off, but we are actually increasing our engagement, especially in the military, and in the defense and security areas," Marcos said.

"Perhaps when the time comes, certainly that would be something that the Ph...