MANILA, Philippines – New Zealand and the Philippines is set to sign a military agreement that aims to “enable the two countries’ militaries to work more closely,” New Zealand Defense Minister Judith Collins said.

In a news release from the New Zealand Department of Defense, it confirmed Collin’s visit to the Philippines, as well as the signing of the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SVFA).

According to Collins, the signing of the SVFA highlights the importance New Zealand places on working closely with its partners.

“It formally sets the legal framework for engagement between our respective militaries, better facilitating ongoing cooperation, activities and exercises in each of our territories,” Collins said.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was in Manila and met with Marcos, Jr. on April 2024.

The Status of Visiting Forces Agreement is a treaty-level document that sets out the legal conditions for military cooperation between our countries, including the responsibilities and obligations on both sides, the NZ Defense Ministry explained.

This agreement with the Philippines builds on two previous agreements that provide for practical defence cooperation, the Mutual Logistics Supporting Arrangement (2024) and the Defence Cooperation Arrangement (2012).

The SVFA will still need to undergo a final ratification process in the Philippine Senate.

While in the Philippines, Minister Collins will meet with the President [Marcos, Jr.] and hold a bilateral meeting with counterpart, National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, the NZ Defense Ministry said.

“We are committed to reinvigorating our security relationships, to playing our part, and working with regional partners such as the Philippines to uphold the international rules-based order,” Collins said.