Collins is travelling to the Philippines today to sign the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement, which she said highlights the importance New Zealand places on working closely with regional partners.
“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 Marcos Jr during Mr Luxon’s visit to Manila last year. It will now undergo a final ratification process in the Philippine Senate.
While in the Philippines, Collins is scheduled to meet with President Marcos and hold a bilateral meeting with Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro.
“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,” Collins said.
She is expected to return to New Zealand on 2 May.
The Status of Visiting Forces Agreement is a treaty-level document that establishes the legal conditions for military cooperation between the two countries, including the responsibilities and obligations on both sides.
It builds on two previous defence agreements: the Mutual Logistics Supporting Arrangement signed earlier this year, and the Defence Cooperation Arrangement signed in 2012.
New Zealand also signed a similar agreement with Fiji in 2023.
Broadcaster Chris Lynch is an award winning journalist who also produces Christchurch news and video content for domestic and international companies. This article was originally published by Chris Lynch Media and is published here with kind permission.
The agreement follows a commitment made by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr during Mr Luxon’s visit to Manila last year. It will now undergo a final ratification process in the Philippine Senate.
While in the Philippines, Collins is scheduled to meet with President Marcos and hold a bilateral meeting with Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro.
“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,” Collins said.
She is expected to return to New Zealand on 2 May.
The Status of Visiting Forces Agreement is a treaty-level document that establishes the legal conditions for military cooperation between the two countries, including the responsibilities and obligations on both sides.
It builds on two previous defence agreements: the Mutual Logistics Supporting Arrangement signed earlier this year, and the Defence Cooperation Arrangement signed in 2012.
New Zealand also signed a similar agreement with Fiji in 2023.
Broadcaster Chris Lynch is an award winning journalist who also produces Christchurch news and video content for domestic and international companies. This article was originally published by Chris Lynch Media and is published here with kind permission.
3 comments:
What could the NZ military possibly be able to contribute there?
Is there a big tourist demand for sinking more artificial reefs in the Philippines?
Spreading a very wide Defence net are we not? Has anyone given any thought to the defence of NZ yet?
The more friends the better. It may lead to some sort of trade deal. Certainly won't do us any harm
Post a Comment