PHILIPPINES, NEW ZEALAND TALKS ON VISITING FORCES DEAL

Philippines and New Zealand have begun negotiating an agreement that would strengthen bilateral defense ties (Photo courtesy of Department of National Defense-Philippines)

The Philippines and New Zealand have started negotiations for the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) that would allow them to deploy troops on each other's soil, the Department of National Defense (DND) and New Zealand Embassy in Manila said.

The talks were hosted by the Philippine government in Manila, with DND Undersecretary Pablo M. Lorenzo and Ministry of Defense (MoD) Director Kathleen Pearce leading the Philippine and New Zealand delegations, respectively.

The department said New Zealand delegation included Ambassador Catherine McIntosh, Deputy Head of Mission Stacey Kwant, and an analyst from the MoD. Other members of the New Zealand delegation joined virtually.

The DND said such an agreement “will enable both countries’ armed forces to elevate their cooperative activities and conduct exercises in each other’s territories, deepening overall defense and military cooperation.”

The first round of negotiations, according to a joint statement, “marked an important step in strengthening bilateral defense ties” between the Philippines and New Zealand. 

It added that the successful conclusion of this agreement will be a significant milestone for the overall bilateral relationship between the Philippines and New Zealand, which would mark 60 years of diplomatic ties in 2026.

The SOVFA will reinforce the memorandum of arrangement between the DND and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) with the Ministry of Defense (MoD) of New Zealand concerning Defence Cooperation, which was signed in 2017. 

Meanwhile, New Zealand has reaffirmed its commitment to Mindanao through its International Development Cooperation Program, emphasizing the shared goal of fostering long-term stability and prosperity in the region.

The New Zealand embassy in Manila said the visit was an opportunity to promote the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Program and deepen bilateral ties.

Source: Philippine Star 

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