The Department of National Defense (DND) on Wednesday welcomed the Senate’s concurrence with the Status of Visiting Forces Agreements (SOVFAs) between the Philippines, Canada and New Zealand, noting the pacts will boost defense cooperation and interoperability.
DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong described Canada and New Zealand as “reliable partners in upholding the rules-based international order, cognizant of the shared security challenges that demand regional and extra-regional action.”
“The Senate’s unanimous concurrence is a testament to the significance of these agreements, which will substantially enhance our interoperability, joint training and practical cooperation between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and our Canadian and New Zealand counterparts,” Andolong said, adding that the deals will also strengthen “community resilience, including humanitarian assistance and disaster response.”
Andolong reiterated the country’s commitment to building security ties with nations aligned with Philippine defense priorities.
“We reiterate our commitment to forging strong convergences with like-minded nations which share our unwavering commitment to a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific, alongside building a self-reliant and credible deterrent posture to protect our national territory, secure our maritime entitlements, and ensure lasting regional stability,” Andolong said.
“Together with our partners, we will continue to resist unilateral actions and expansionist ambitions seeking to reshape international law,” he added.
Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. met on Tuesday with outgoing Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya to discuss “ongoing defense collaboration” and “efforts for greater convergence” under a shared Indo-Pacific vision.
Teodoro conferred the Outstanding Achievement Medal on Endo “in recognition of his remarkable contributions and dedicated service” in deepening the strategic partnership between Manila and Tokyo, particularly following the implementation of the bilateral Reciprocal Access Agreement.