Philippines, New Zealand to sign SOVFA in April
On Wednesday, New Zealand Ambassador Catherine McIntosh announced that the Philippines and New Zealand will sign a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) in April.
The agreement aims to strengthen military ties and allow joint exercises on each other's territories, with women leaders playing key roles in the negotiations.
Final negotiations concluded last month, following initial talks that began on January 23 and were finalized on February 20.
Similar agreements already exist between the Philippines and countries like the United States, Australia, and Japan, with ongoing discussions with Canada and France.
The SOVFA will bolster defense cooperation, enabling the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and New Zealand Defense Force to conduct joint exercises in each other's territories.
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