PHL, NZ to level up bilateral relations

THE Philippines and New Zealand have agreed to forge a Comprehensive Partnership by 2026 to mark the 60th year of bilateral relations between the two Pacific nations.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said in a joint statement that they have agreed to “elevate” the bilateral relations between the Philippines and New Zealand.

“The leaders directed their Foreign Ministers and relevant officials to put in place a Roadmap to guide the establishment of the Comprehensive Partnership, including the elevation of the Foreign Ministry Consultations to the Viceministerial level and the creation of new mechanisms including a Joint Economic Commission and a Maritime Dialogue,” the joint statement read.

Marcos and Luxon have also agreed to consider further visa facilitation between the Philippines and New Zealand.

The leaders committed to maintain and strengthen defense engagements while exploring new frameworks to deepen defense ties. Both sides committed to the signing of a Mutual Logistics Supporting Arrangement (MLSA) by the end of 2024, and to concluding a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (Sovfa).

“As Pacific maritime nations, the two leaders recognized the Philippines and New Zealand’s shared interest in preserving peace and stability at sea, and in this regard, looked forward to cooperating on maritime law enforcement, including addressing common threats, such as piracy, IUUF [illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing], maritime terrorism, contraband smuggling, wildlife trafficking, and irregular human migration,” the joint statement read.

Marcos and Luxon expressed their shared serious concern over recent developments in the South China Sea. They affirmed the right of freedom of navigation and overflight and other lawful uses of the seas accorded by international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos).

They committed to further eliminate unnecessary barriers to trade and to work together to ensure that exporters fully utilize the comprehensive suite of free trade agreements, with a view to achieving a mutually beneficial increase of 50 percent in two-way trade by 2030.

The leaders said Philippine and New Zealand companies can cooperate in agricultural technology and innovation, agribusiness, renewable energy, education and skills, and digital infrastructure.

“The Philippines also welcomes investments in priority sectors and collaboration in sectors where New Zealand’s expertise is most valued, such as agriculture, knowledge and skills, and disaster risk management,” Marcos said.

Luxon, for his part, acknowledged the contribution Filipinos make to New Zealand’s economy, including filling critical gaps in New Zealand’s workforce. e leaders agreed to discuss social security issues relating to Filipinos in New Zealand.

Marcos and Luxon said they will strengthen cooperation regarding the welfare of migrant workers, particularly Filipino nurses.

“Both Leaders looked forward to the review of the existing bilateral migrant worker arrangement which will facilitate the recruitment of Filipino workers to New Zealand and other initiatives,” the joint statement read.

Marcos said the expected visit by New Zealand’s Foreign Minister to the Philippines later in 2024 could advance discussions on the Comprehensive Partnership further.

Luxon is in the Philippines for an official visit. Marcos welcomed the New Zealand leader in Malacanang on Thursday.