The Philippines and New Zealand are set to sign an agreement that would enable close military coordination between the two nations.

In a news release on Monday, New Zealand Defense Minister Judith Collins said she is traveling to the Philippines to sign the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement.

This is a treaty-level document that includes military cooperation conditions, such as legal responsibilities and obligations on both sides.

“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.

“The agreement follows a commitment made by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during Mr. Luxon’s visit to Manila last year.”

The agreement will undergo a final ratification process in the Philippine Senate.

It builds on two previous agreements that provide for practical defense cooperation, the Mutual Logistics Supporting Arrangement in 2024 and the Defense Cooperation Arrangement in 2012.

During her official visit to Manila from April 28 to May 2, Collins will meet with the President and hold a bilateral meeting with Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.

“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,” she said. (PNA)