The Philippines and New Zealand are set to sign a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SoVFA) this week, New Zealand Defense Minister Judith Collins announced on Monday.
Collins’ statement that was posted on the New Zealand government website said she will be traveling to the Philippines to sign the SoFVA, a move seen to deepen the ties between Manila and Wellington.
“It formally sets the legal framework for engagement between our respective militaries, better facilitating ongoing cooperation, activities and exercises in each of our territories,” Collins said.
“The agreement follows a commitment made by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during Mr. Luxon’s visit to Manila last year,” she added.
The SoVFA is a treaty-level document that sets out the legal conditions for military cooperation between the Philippines and New Zealand, including the responsibilities and obligations on both sides.
The agreement was built on two previous agreements that provide for practical defense cooperation — the Mutual Logistics Supporting Arrangement and the Defense Cooperation Arrangement — which were signed in 2024 and 2012, respectively.
While in the Philippines, Collins is scheduled to meet with President Marcos and hold a bilateral meeting with her Filipino counterpart, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro.