President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday witnessed the signing of the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) between the Philippines and New Zealand, a legal framework enabling the countries’ militaries to conduct joint activities and exercises.

During the ceremony held at Malacañan Palace, Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and New Zealand Defense Minister Judith Collins formally signed the agreement, underscoring the shared commitment to regional peace and security.

The SOVFA establishes a legal framework enabling the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) to conduct joint activities and exercises, enhancing interoperability and further deepening bilateral defense and military cooperation.

The SOVFA also reflects the shared commitment made by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon during the latter’s official visit to Manila in 2024.

Before the SOVFA signing on Wednesday morning, President Marcos received Minister Collins and her delegation in a courtesy call at Malacañan Palace.

President Marcos said the partnerships formed and the agreements made bilaterally and multilaterally have been “extremely important” in strengthening regional security.

“It is well recognized that these partnerships will become very important in the face of all that is happening, not only in our region,” President Marcos told Minister Collins and her delegation.

For her part, Minister Collins conveyed her appreciation for the warm reception and the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue with President Marcos.

The New Zealand Minister and her delegation arrived in Manila on April 29 and is scheduled to hold discussions with her Philippine counterpart and other key defense officials before her departure on May 1. | PND