Philippines, New Zealand agree to strengthen ties

President Benigno Aquino III, left, and New Zealand’s Prime Minister John Key share a light moment at a joint press conference at Parliament in Wellington, New Zealand, Tuesday. AP

WELLINGTON, New Zealand—The leaders of the Philippines and New Zealand have agreed to strengthen their economic and defense ties.

President Benigno Aquino III met with New Zealand Prime Minister John Key on Tuesday in Wellington as part of a visit to New Zealand and Australia. Aquino brought with him a large entourage of 70 in a symbolic show of friendship.

After the meeting, the two countries signed agreements that would increase the number of defense training exercises, improve geothermal energy cooperation and launch a new working-holiday exchange program for a small number of workers.

The agreements come as the two countries seek to increase trade and at a time the relationship between the Philippines and China is under strain due to a territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).