Manila, Feb. 20 -- The Department of National Defense (DND) on Thursday announced that the Philippines and New Zealand have concluded negotiations for a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA).

In a statement, Defense spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong said DND Undersecretary Pablo Lorenzo and New Zealand Ministry of Defense (MoD) Director Kathleen Pearce led the Philippine and New Zealand delegations, respectively.

He added that the final negotiating round held Tuesday was hosted by the New Zealand side via a hybrid arrangement.

"The Philippine negotiating panel was composed of Presidential Commission on Visiting Forces Undersecretary Antonio Habulan Jr.; DND Assistant Secretaries Marita Yoro and Erik Lawrence Dy; D...