Manila, April 30 -- The Philippines and New Zealand on Wednesday signed a defense deal that would enable both countries' armed forces to enhance their cooperative activities and conduct joint exercises in each other's territories.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. and New Zealand Defense Minister Judith Collins signed the treaty documents for the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) at Malacanang in the presence of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

The President welcomed Collins and her delegation to the presidential palace and conveyed his gratitude to the New Zealand government for the progress in the two countries' partnership "in the face of all that is happening" not only in the region but in the entire world.

"Those pa...