PH, NZ conclude negotiations for Status of Visiting Forces Agreement
Metro Manila, Philippines – The Philippines will sign another pact with an ally to further strengthen defense capabilities under a visiting forces agreement.
In a statement, the Department of National Defense (DND) announced that negotiations for a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) between the Philippines and New Zealand have been completed.
"After finalizing the text of the agreement, both sides expressed optimism toward the signing of the Agreement in the second quarter of 2025," the agency said.
The SOVFA aims to enhance defense and military cooperation, allowing the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the New Zealand Defence Force to conduct joint exercises and operations within each other’s territories.
Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro earlier emphasized that a VFA with New Zealand would reinforce the country’s commitment to strengthening ties with “like-minded” partners in the region.
“We are now in alliance building, so the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement with New Zealand is an important part of our initiative to resist China’s unilateral narrative to change international law,” Teodoro told reporters in an interview.
Teodoro said the Philippines is pursuing similar agreements with other nations.
"Hindi lang ito sa New Zealand, pero nakikipag-ugnayan din tayo sa Canada, France, at iba pang bansang Europe," he said.
[Translation: It's not just New Zealand; we are also working with Canada, France, and other European countries.]
New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines Catherine McIntosh said the prospective military agreement highlights her country’s commitment to regional security.
“This represents really a change in our military cooperation and our military bilateral relationship. And it also demonstrates New Zealand’s commitment to the region,” the envoy added.
The Philippines and New Zealand established diplomatic ties in 1966. In its web site, New Zealand said it “has committed to stepping up its relationship with the Philippines, as part of the government’s increased focus on South and Southeast Asia.”
