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ABS 2025
Ph, New Zealand conclude talks on VFA
By Nidz Godino
Philippines and New Zealand are yet to finalize deal that will allow military forces of the two nations to hold joint exercises and other activities in each other’s territories.
Department of National Defense (DND) spokesman Arsenio Andolong announced that negotiations for Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) have been completed following last round of talks held on Feb. 18, 2025.
After finalizing the text of agreement, he said both sides expressed optimism about signing of deal in the second quarter of 2025.
Andolong said SOVFA between Philippines and New Zealand “will bolster defense and military ties between two countries, enabling Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and New Zealand Defense Force (NZDF) to conduct exercises in each other’s territories.”
Final round of talks was led by DND Undersecretary Pablo Lorenzo and New Zealand Ministry of Defense (MoD) Director Kathleen Pearce, with New Zealand hosting the same via hybrid arrangement.
Andolong said Philippine negotiating panel was composed of Presidential Commission on Visiting Forces Undersecretary Antonio Habulan Jr.; DND Assistant Secretaries Marita Yoro and Erik Lawrence Dy; Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Assistant Secretaries Aileen Mendiola-Rau and Patrick Chuasoto and officer-in-charge Paulo Saret and Department of Justice (DOJ) state counsels Ma. Pamelyn Omalin, Dave Fatalla and Albert Abragan.
New Zealand side was composed of representatives from MoD, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment, participated virtually from Wellington.
Andolong said New Zealand delegation was also joined by Ambassador Catherine McIntosh and other embassy officials.
DND had earlier explained that once signed, SOVFA will reinforce 2017 Memorandum of Arrangement between DND and AFP with New Zealand’s MoD.
DND said conclusion of agreement that may be likened to VFA between Philippines and United States will also be significant milestone for overall bilateral relationship between Philippines and New Zealand as two countries celebrate 60th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties in 2026.
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