The Philippines and New Zealand have initiated formal negotiations for a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SoVFA) to enhance their bilateral defense cooperation. The first round of talks took place in Manila on January 23, 2025, with representatives from both countries' defense and foreign affairs departments participating. The agreement, a key outcome of a meeting between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in April 2024, aims to facilitate military exercises and deepen defense ties between the two nations.
THE Philippines and New Zealand have started negotiations for the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement in a bid to strengthen the bilateral defense ties between the two countries. In a statement Wednesday, January 29, 2025, the Department of National Defense said the first round of formal negotiations related to the Sovfa was held on January 23 in Manila with DND Undersecretary Pablo M. Lorenzo and Ministry of Defense Director Kathleen Pearce on the lead.
, Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretaries Aileen Mendiola-Rau and Patrick Chuasoto, and DND Assistant Secretary Erik Lawrence Dy. The DND said a commitment to conclude a Sovfa was among the key outcomes agreed between Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon during the latter’s visit to Manila in April 2024.
BILATERAL DEFENSE SOVFA MILITARY EXERCISES PHILIPPINE NEW ZEALAND DEFENSE COOPERATION
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Philippines Bans Bird Imports from New Zealand Over Avian InfluenzaThe Philippines has imposed a ban on importing poultry products from New Zealand following an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu). The ban aims to protect the country's poultry industry and food security.
Read more »
Philippines, New Zealand start visiting forces agreement negotiationsRanking officials of the Philippine government met with their counterparts from New Zealand in Manila and started the negotiations for the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) of the two countries, an official of the Department of National Defense (DND) said on Wednesday, Jan. 29.
Read more »
Philippines and New Zealand Launch SOVFA NegotiationsThe Philippines and New Zealand have begun discussions on a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA), aiming to strengthen their defense and military cooperation. The first round of talks took place in Manila, with both countries expressing commitment to concluding the agreement.
Read more »
Philippines and New Zealand in talks for defense pactMANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and New Zealand have begun negotiating an agreement that would allow them to deploy troops on each other's soil, the two countries said Wednesday, as concerns over maritime tensions with China grow.
Read more »
Philippines and New Zealand Move Closer to Troop Deployment Agreement Amidst China TensionsThe Philippines and New Zealand have begun talks to establish a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOFA), which would allow troops from both countries to be deployed on each other's soil. This development comes as regional tensions with China escalate, particularly over maritime disputes in the South China Sea.
Read more »
Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships: Empowering Future LeadersThe New Zealand Government is opening applications for the prestigious Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships, offering talented individuals the opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies in New Zealand starting in early 2026. The scholarships, funded by the New Zealand International Development Cooperation (IDC) Programme, aim to empower future leaders in key areas such as climate change, renewable energy, and good governance, reflecting the Māori value of 'manaakitanga'—a commitment to welcoming, respecting, and caring for people.
Read more »