At A Glance
- Luxon described the Philippines as New Zealand's important partner.
The Philippines and New Zealand are looking to take their relationship forward as both countries' leaders engaged in a conversation on Thursday, April 10.

In a Facebook post, President Marcos said his phone conversation with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was productive.
Maganda at makabuluhan ang naging pag-uusap namin ni PM christopherluxon ngayong hapon tungkol sa mga kaganapan sa larangan ng kalakalan (The conversation I had with PM Christopher Luxon this afternoon about developments in the field of trade was beautiful and meaningful)," he wrote.
"Patuloy ang matatag nating ugnayan at pagtutulungan para sa kapayapaan at kaunlaran ng ating rehiyon (Our strong relationship and cooperation continue for the peace and prosperity of our region)," he added.
Meanwhile, Luxon wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that it was good to reconnect with the Philippine leader. Luxon visited Manila in 2024, the first visit by a Kiwi leader in 14 years.
He described the Philippines as New Zealand's important partner.
"Good to reconnect with President @bongbongmarcos tonight, with the Philippines an important partner for New Zealand in Southeast Asia," Luxon said.
"We discussed how we can continue to work together to support free and fair trade. We also checked in on the great work that our two countries are doing to take our relationship forward," he added.
The Philippines and New Zealand will mark 60 years of diplomatic ties in 2026.
Both countries share a multifaceted partnership that continues to evolve, with trade, tourism, people-to-people connections, and defense at its heart.
In January this year, the Philippines and New Zealand officially began negotiations for the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA). The first round of negotiations marked an important step in strengthening bilateral defense ties between the two countries.
"The conclusion of this agreement will be a significant milestone for the overall bilateral relationship between the Philippines and New Zealand," The New Zealand Embassy in the Philippines said.