PH, New Zealand eye joint military training

Under the quadrilateral cooperation among the Philippines, United States, Australia, and Japan once the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) enters into force," the DND said in a statement on Wednesday, July 9.

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"This could include participation in future iterations of both bilateral and multilateral military exercises."

Manila and Wellington signed the SOVFA last April 30, setting the legal terms for the entry, stay, and activities of New Zealand and Philippine military forces in each other's territories.

It also provides a legal framework to make joint defense and humanitarian activities smoother and more effective as forces from both countries can respond more quickly and efficiently during crises, including natural disasters.