National Security Adviser Eduardo Año on Friday hailed the Philippines’ signing of the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) with New Zealand on April 30, calling it an “important milestone” in the country’s growing strategic and defense partnership.

“This landmark agreement demonstrates our shared commitment to a rules-based international order, regional peace and stability, and enhanced cooperation in both security and humanitarian domains,” he said.

Año, also director general of the National Security Council (NSC), said the SOVFA reflects the mutual resolve of the Philippines and New Zealand in bolstering interoperability between their respective Armed Forces through joint training, capacity building, and collaboration on disaster response.

He said this is an important factor considering that the two countries are vulnerable to natural disasters as both are located within the Pacific Ring of Fire.

“The NSC commends the continuing efforts to strengthen our bilateral defense ties with New Zealand. This agreement is not directed against any one state, but rather stands as a clear affirmation that the Philippines and New Zealand are committed to international law, freedom of navigation, and the peaceful resolution of disputes,” Año said.

He said the partnership is a step forward in strengthening the ability to respond to common challenges, whether natural disasters, transnational threats, or encroachments that undermine sovereign rights.

“By deepening our security cooperation with like-minded nations, such as New Zealand, the Philippines reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding national interests while promoting regional stability, resilience, and mutual respect among nations,” he said.

The first round of talks for the Philippines and New Zealand SOVFA took place in Manila on Jan. 23.

“The first round of negotiations marked an important step in strengthening bilateral defense ties between the Philippines and New Zealand. A commitment to conclude a SOVFA was among the key outcomes agreed between Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon during the latter’s visit to Manila in April 2024,” the Department of National Defense (DND) earlier said.

The SOVFA will reinforce the memorandum of agreement between the DND and the AFP with the defense ministry of New Zealand concerning the defense cooperation, signed in 2017.

The DND said the successful conclusion of this agreement would be a significant milestone for the overall bilateral relationship between the Philippines and New Zealand, which will mark 60 years of diplomatic ties in 2026. (PNA)