Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. sees the possibility of New Zealand military forces being part of activities and exercises being held by the Philippines with its key allies.
Teodoro made the remark during the courtesy call of Commander of the Joint Forces of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) Maj. Gen. Robert Krushka in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Tuesday.
“In addition to enhancing collaboration on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, Secretary Teodoro noted the potential involvement of the NZDF in activities under the quadrilateral cooperation among the Philippines, United States, Australia, and Japan once the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) enters into forces,” the DND said in a statement late Tuesday.
“This could include participation in future iterations of both bilateral and multilateral military exercise,” it added.
The Philippines and New Zealand signed a SOVFA on April 30.
The agreement, which needs ratification by the Senate before coming into force, provides a legal framework for the entry and presence of military personnel for joint defense activities.
During their meeting, Teodoro and Krushka also discussed regional security dynamics and explored opportunities to strengthen defense cooperation, in line with the thrust of the Marcos administration to further bolster the country’s international partnerships, the DND said.
“Maj. Gen. Krushka reaffirmed New Zealand’s support for the Philippines and expressed interest in identifying areas where the NZDF could best assist with the country’s security priorities, including logistics support, training and capacity building between the two nations’ armed forces, and the provision of educational opportunities,” it added.
Both parties expressed commitment to deepen defense relations and advance future initiatives through the re-convening of bilateral defense mechanisms, such as the Bilateral Defense Talks and the Mutual Assistance Programme (MAP) Talks between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the NZDF.
Izuru visit
Also on Tuesday, the AFP welcomed Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Amphibious and Mine Warfare Force commander, Rear Adm. Ikeuchi Izuru, in a courtesy call held in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
Lt. Gen. Jimmy Larida, AFP vice chief of staff, received Izuru during the official engagement aimed at strengthening defense cooperation and maritime security collaboration between the Philippines and Japan.
The AFP said Izuru’s visit served as a platform to reaffirm both nations’ shared commitment to maintaining peace, stability, and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific Region.
The leaders discussed mutual concerns on regional maritime challenges, capacity-building initiatives, and future avenues for joint exercises and military exchanges.
“Rear Admiral Izuru’s visit underscores the growing partnership between the AFP and JMSDF, highlighting the Philippines and Japan’s continuing efforts to enhance interoperability and mutual support in response to evolving security dynamics in the region,” the AFP said. (PNA)
