Manila | April 30, 2025 – The Philippines and New Zealand have signed a landmark Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA), allowing troops from both countries to operate on each other’s soil, marking a major step in regional defense collaboration.
The deal was signed at Malacañang Palace by Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and New Zealand Defence Minister Judith Collins, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. witnessing the event.
“This is about ensuring regional stability through deeper cooperation,” said Collins during the signing.
The agreement will streamline future military exercises, humanitarian operations, and disaster response coordination between the two countries, as tensions continue to rise in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in the South China Sea.
New Zealand, traditionally focused on the South Pacific, is signaling a stronger role in broader regional security. The pact follows New Zealand’s recent involvement in maritime drills alongside the Philippines, U.S., Australia, and Japan.
It also aligns with Wellington’s defense push at home: New Zealand is expected to boost its military spending by NZ$9 billion, aiming to reach 2% of GDP within eight years.
The SOVFA is already ratified in New Zealand, but will still need Senate approval in the Philippines before it takes full effect.
“This agreement elevates our partnership to a new level of trust and readiness,” said Teodoro.
