PH, New Zealand defense ties elevated via visiting forces pact
MANILA – The Philippines and New Zealand have elevated their defense relationship following the signing of the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) on Wednesday.
This was emphasized by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and his counterpart, New Zealand Minister of Defense Judith Collin, following their bilateral meeting at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel.
"During the meeting, both defense officials emphasized their shared commitment to deepening defense cooperation between the Philippines and New Zealand. They welcomed the signing of the Philippines–New Zealand SOVFA, witnessed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. earlier at the Malacañang Palace," DND spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong said in a statement.
The SOVFA provides a legal framework for the entry and presence of military personnel for joint defense activities.
"Secretary Teodoro expressed his appreciation for New Zealand’s commitment to working closely with the Philippines on matters of regional peace, stability, most particularly in upholding an international rules-based order," Andolong said.
Collins, for her part, reaffirmed New Zealand’s readiness to support the Philippines through robust defense engagement and continued dialogue.
"This reflects the strength of New Zealand's relationship with the Philippines, of which defense is a key element. Our militaries already work well together, and this agreement will create the conditions for even more seamless cooperation in the defense space," she added in her remarks.
Collins also said the SOVFA will ensure that the Philippines and New Zealand can work hand-in-hand with ease particularly when urgent responses are required.
The SOVFA is expected to strengthen interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the New Zealand Defence Force, particularly in areas of capacity building, disaster response, and regional security.
"We will increase the pace of our interactions both bilaterally and multilaterally. Thank you also for the opportunities that you have granted our defense establishment to further their education and their exposure to the evolving nature of the defense ecosystem," Teodoro said.
The DND chief, in his remarks, also committed to expediting the internal processes needed to secure its speedy Presidential ratification and Senate concurrence required for the SOVFA.
"We are indeed fortunate to have a partner as, you know, distant to us but as close to us at the same time as New Zealand shoulder-to-shoulder," Teodoro said.
The two defense chiefs also agreed to strengthen defense industry cooperation, capabilities on air and maritime domain awareness, defense supply chain management, and education and training exchanges.
"The signing of the SOVFA marks a significant milestone in the bilateral defense relationship and demonstrates the strong and growing partnership between the two countries," Andolong said. (PNA)
(2025/04/30-10:13)
PNA
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