The Philippines and New Zealand are “working very hard” to conclude the negotiations for a possible Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA), which will enhance the defense cooperation between the two armed forces, New Zealand Ambassador Catherine McIntosh said.

New Zealand Ambassador Catherine McIntosh (center) speaks to the media during a press conference in her Makati residence. (Raymund Antonio/MANILA BULLETIN)

During the Waitangi Day Reception held at the ambassador’s residence in Makati City on Tuesday night, Feb. 4, the envoy shared that key officials have already met for the first round of negotiations in Manila.

“There is strong political commitment to concluding a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement, and officials met recently for productive and constructive discussions, our first round of negotiations,” she said during a media interview.

“And in fact, you know, we’re in New Zealand very motivated by the fact that Prime Minister Luxon was here in Manila, and it was a key focus for his visit here. So officials are working very hard on both sides, and we look forward to concluding as soon as possible,” she added.

The possibility of a VFA with New Zealand, as well as the signing of the mutual logistics supporting arrangement last year, represents “a step change in our military cooperation and our military bilateral relationship,” the ambassador furthered.

It also “demonstrates New Zealand's commitment to the region.”

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro expressed hope that the Philippines and New Zealand will be able to conclude talks on a visiting forces deal by the end of 2025, noting it could happen “within the first semester of the year”.

“We are now on a phase of alliance-building, strengthening alliance. So, the SOVFA is an important part of both countries and multilateral countries’ initiative to resist China’s unilateral narrative to change international law,” he told reporters at the reception.

The DND chief recognized New Zealand as a “very important partner” of the Philippines not only in defense and security, but also in “disaster-risk reduction purposes, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response.”

The Philippines’ push to enter into military agreements with allies and neighbors in the Indo-Pacific region was fueled by its territorial and maritime disputes with China, which claims include the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Brunei.

McIntosh also voiced out concerns about the “current developments” in the West Philippine Sea.

“New Zealand has been consistent in our messages around deescalation of tensions. Furthermore, we encourage all countries that are in dispute to resolve matters peacefully, in accordance with international law, including UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea),” the ambassador stressed.

Although the 1987 Philippine Constitution prohibits foreign troops from establishing permanent military bases in the countries, they can conduct military exercises through agreements like the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), which the Philippines has with the United States.

Similarly, the Philippines also entered into a deal with Australia in 2007 and last year, it signed a Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) with Japan to allow the deployment of Japanese forces for joint drills in the Southeast Asia.

Under the agreement, military personnel from the Philippines are also allowed to enter Japan for joint combat training.