National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said that the newly signed defense pact between the Philippines and New Zealand should not be interpreted as being directed against any particular country.

In a statement on Friday, Año noted the National Security Council warmly welcomes the signing of the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SoVFA) between the Republic of the Philippines and New Zealand, saying it is an “important milestone” in the “growing strategic and defense partnership” between both countries.

“This agreement is not directed against any one state, but rather stands as a clear affirmation that the Philippines and New Zealand are committed to international law, freedom of navigation, and the peaceful resolution of disputes,” he added.

Año said the agreement highlights the shared commitment of the Philippines and New Zealand to upholding a rules-based international order, promoting regional peace and stability, and strengthening cooperation in security and humanitarian efforts.

“It reflects the mutual resolve of Manila and Wellington to bolster interoperability between our armed forces through joint training, capacity building, and collaboration on disaster response, especially in light of our shared vulnerability as nations located within the Pacific Ring of Fire,” he added.

He said such a partnership is a step forward in strengthening both nations’ ability to respond to common challenges, including natural disasters, transnational threats, or encroachments that undermine sovereign rights. 

“By deepening our security cooperation with like-minded nations such as New Zealand, the Philippines reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding national interests while promoting regional stability, resilience and mutual respect among nations,” he noted. 

In a joint press conference with New Zealand Defense Minister Judith Collins in Makati City after signing the agreement at Malacañang on Wednesday, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said the Sovfa Philippines deter aggression in the disputed South China Sea.

“With China, for example, being particularly aggressive in the way it does, we need to deter this kind of unwanted behavior,” Teodoro said.

SoVFA between the Philippines and New Zealand sought to establish a framework for increased cooperation, fostering closer collaboration between defense and military establishments, improving interoperability between forces, and facilitating more effective joint exercises and capacity-building activities.