PH inks visiting forces deal with New Zealand

Metro Manila, Philippines – The Philippines and New Zealand signed a Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) pact on Wednesday, April 30, formally setting a framework for the nations’ military engagements including joint exercises.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. witnessed the ceremonial signing between Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and New Zealand Defence Minister Judith Collins.

The agreement will now be subject to ratification by the Philippine Senate.

Talks on the VFA with New Zealand began in 2023 during Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s visit to Manila where met with Marcos and had several other high-level engagements.

The VFA with New Zealand is a treaty-level agreement that outlines the legal conditions for military cooperation, including the responsibilities and obligations of both sides when their forces operate in each other’s territory.

The agreement is seen to bolster defense ties between Manila and Wellington amid evolving regional security challenges in the region, underscoring Philippines’ broader effort to strengthen alliances and partnerships with “like-minded” nations.

The pact with New Zealand marks the Philippines’ sixth VFA. Other existing agreements are with the United States, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom.

In recent months, the Philippines has expanded joint military exercises with the United States and Japan, signed new defense agreements, and pursued stronger regional cooperation with ASEAN neighbors.

In a previous interview, Teodoro revealed that aside from New Zealand, the Philippines is working on VFAs with other European nations. VFA deals with France and Canada are also underway.