PH, New Zealand finalize defense pact this week

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and New Zealand are set to sign this week a key defense pact that will allow their militaries to hold joint drills and boost security engagements.

New Zealand Defense Minister Judith Collins traveled to the Philippines on Monday to sign the status of visiting forces agreement with her counterpart, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.

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

READ: PH, New Zealand eye military deal soon amid China concerns

Both sides concluded negotiations for the agreement on Feb. 18, less than a month after talks officially started.

“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.

The Philippines has been shoring up security alliances and partnerships amid growing tensions between Manila and Beijing in the South China Sea. —Frances Mangosing