President’s Hall, Malacañan Palace
April 30, 2025

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. warmly welcomed Defence Minister Judith Collins of New Zealand during a courtesy call, which was followed by the official signing of the defense pact between the Philippines and New Zealand, in a ceremony at the President’s Hall in Malacañan Palace.

During the event, President Marcos Jr. witnessed Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Minister of Defence Judith Collins of New Zealand formally sign the Philippines-New Zealand Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA), a defense agreement aimed at strengthening defense and military ties between the two countries.

The signing of the SOVFA establishes the legal framework enabling the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) to conduct joint exercises and activities. The pact is expected to enhance interoperability, foster deeper cooperation and elevate the overall partnership between the two nations.

This new defense agreement is regarded as a significant step toward bolstering the Philippines’ security alliances and partnerships with like-minded nations, especially amid ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

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