PH, New Zealand strengthen cooperation, sign MLSA

PH, New Zealand strengthen cooperation, sign MLSA

/ 11:35 PM June 10, 2024

Zubiri, New Zealand PM sees need for free, open Indo-Pacific region to spur economy

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. welcoming New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Malacañang during the later’s three-day official visit to the Philippines from April 18-20, 2024. —photo by Yummie Dingding/PPA pool

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and New Zealand have agreed to strengthen its cooperation on political, security, defense, and labor among others, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo disclosed on Monday.

“We agreed to strengthen our existing mechanisms for cooperation on political, security and defense and labor, and to open new avenues for partnerships in trade and investment that leverage our respective strengths while promoting our national priorities, particularly on renewable energy and combating climate change,” said Manalo in a press conference.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: Philippines, New Zealand to begin talks on enhancing defense pacts

Along with Manalo was New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters who arrived in Manila for an official visit.

Article continues after this advertisement

According to Manalo, he and Peters also welcomed the signing of the Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement (MLSA), a pivotal document that will greatly enhance future military engagements between our nations.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: New Zealand prime minister visits Marcos in Malacañang

Article continues after this advertisement

“Affirming that the robustness of our bilateral relations is underpinned by our strong people-to-people links, we agreed to undertake more frequent exchanges of high-level visits, discuss ways to increase our connectivity through air flights and visas, and celebrate the commonalities of our culture and heritage,” Manalo added.

Prior to the joint press conference, Manalo and Peters witnessed the signing ceremony for the agreement between the Anti-Red Tape Authority of the Philippines and the New Zealand Trade Enterprise on Ease of Doing Business.

Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Peters’ visit is particularly significant as both countries anticipate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in July 2026.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS: PH-New Zealand relations, Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA)

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.