The Philippines and New Zealand (NZ) have officially signed a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SoVFA), paving the way for a deeper defense cooperation between the two nations.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. witnessed the signing of the agreement in Malacañang on Wednesday by New Zealand Defense Minister Judith Collins and Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. Also present were New Zealand Ambassador Catherine McIntosh and Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo.

Marcos welcomed the growing partnership, noting how vital such alliances have become.

“These partnerships are now more important than ever — not just for our region, but for the rest of the world,” Marcos said.

The agreement provides a legal framework for the presence of each other’s troops during joint military exercises and operations. In a separate briefing in Makati, Teodoro said the pact would allow both countries’ armed forces to train and operate on each other’s soil, strengthening their military-to-military ties.

“Once the Senate ratifies the agreement, we’ll move forward with joint training, both bilaterally and in broader multilateral settings,” he said.

The SoVFA builds on a 2017 defense cooperation memorandum between both countries and reflects a shared commitment to regional peace and security.

Collins echoed this sentiment, saying, “We’ve been long-time partners, with shared values — especially when it comes to international law and a rules-based order.”

Both sides also agreed to expand cooperation in defense industries, maritime and air domain awareness, logistics and training exchanges.