New Zealand, Phillippines Sign Troops Deal in ‘Deteriorating’ Strategic Environment

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos (C) poses with New Zealand's Defence Minister Judith Collins (L) and Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro (R), both holding documents on the newly-signed Status of Visiting Forces Agreement which allows the deployment of troops on each other's territory, following the signing ceremony at the Malacanang Palace in Manila on April 30, 2025. (Photo by Jam STA ROSA / POOL / AFP)

By Pam Castro

The Philippines and New Zealand signed an agreement on Wednesday allowing the deployment of troops on each other’s territory, a move aimed at bolstering security in a “deteriorating” strategic environment.

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