Manila, April 30 -- The Philippines and New Zealand have elevated their defense relationship following the signing of the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) on Wednesday.

This was emphasized by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and his counterpart, New Zealand Minister of Defense Judith Collin, following their bilateral meeting at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel.

"During the meeting, both defense officials emphasized their shared commitment to deepening defense cooperation between the Philippines and New Zealand. They welcomed the signing of the Philippines-New Zealand SOVFA, witnessed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. earlier at the Malacanang Palace," DND spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsen...