Manila, Sept. 16 -- The United Kingdom (UK) is interested in having a defense deal with the Philippines that would enhance operational collaboration between the two countries' armed forces.

In a statement, the Department of National Defense (DND) said UK Minister of State for Defense in the House of Lords, Lord Vernon Coaker, relayed this interest during his meeting with DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. at Camp Aguinaldo on Tuesday.

"During the call, Lord Coaker presented Secretary Teodoro with a letter from The Rt Hon John Healey MP, the UK Secretary of State for Defence, conveying their intent to enter into a SOVFA with the Philippines," the DND said.

SOVFA stands for Status of Visiting Forces Agreement, a bilateral visiting forces...