South China Sea, defense cooperation and upgrading relations

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. welcomed New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's visit to Manila today, April 18.

Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. welcomed New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to Manila on April 18. (Source: Philippine Presidential Communications Office)

During their meeting at Malacañang Palace, the two leaders discussed measures to promote bilateral relations as well as developments in international affairs.

Support peaceful solutions.

According to a joint statement on the visit, released by the Philippine Presidential Communications Office, the two sides “share deep concerns” about the escalating tensions in the South China Sea.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon “reaffirmed the need for all nations to pursue peaceful solutions to disputes in accordance with international law,” including dispute resolution mechanisms under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The two leaders “reiterated their support for efforts led by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to achieve an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea as soon as possible, protecting the legitimate rights and interests of all parties and consistent with UNCLOS.”

The Philippines and New Zealand share common interests as maritime nations in the Pacific . The host country's president and the guest from New Zealand pledged to cooperate in enforcing maritime law, including addressing shared threats such as piracy, maritime terrorism, smuggling, wildlife trafficking, and illegal migration.

The joint statement also called for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and the Hamas Islamic movement amid the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

Similar concerns have been raised regarding Russia's military campaign in Ukraine and the situation in Myanmar following the military coup three years ago.

Elevate the relationship.

During the meeting, President Marcos and Luxon agreed to upgrade bilateral relations to a comprehensive partnership by 2026, deepening defense ties through a commitment to sign the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA) by the end of 2024 and the Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA).

Besides the US, the Philippines has signed a SOVFA with Australia and is currently pursuing a similar defense agreement with Japan, known as the Reciprocal Access Agreement.

These forms of defense cooperation allow Philippine and foreign soldiers to train on each other's territory and share military equipment.

According to the joint statement, the two leaders “instructed the Foreign Ministers and relevant officials to develop a roadmap to guide the establishment of a comprehensive partnership, including upgrading the Foreign Ministry's consultation mechanism to the Deputy Minister level and creating new mechanisms such as a joint economic committee and maritime dialogue.”

The joint statement also “understood the importance of further facilitating visa procedures between the Philippines and New Zealand. The New Zealand Foreign Minister’s visit to the Philippines, scheduled for late 2024, will be an opportunity to advance discussions on a more comprehensive partnership.”

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon converses as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. drives a golf cart following a welcoming ceremony at Malacanang Palace in Manila on April 18. (Source: AP)

Strengthening economic cooperation

President Marcos and Prime Minister Luxon also welcomed the development of stronger economic ties between the Philippines and New Zealand, and reaffirmed their shared commitment to upholding a rules-based trading system.

The two leaders welcomed the upgrading of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) and the successful implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), noting the strong cooperation between the two countries through the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum.

Acknowledging the Philippines' interest in developing the export capabilities of its agricultural sector, the New Zealand Prime Minister pledged further discussions among officials on the initiative.

In addition, the two leaders committed to eliminating “unnecessary trade barriers” and ensuring that exporters can take full advantage of comprehensive free trade agreements to achieve a “mutually beneficial increase in bilateral trade of 50% by 2030”.

In 2023, the Pacific island nation ranked as the 28th largest trading partner (out of 230) of Southeast Asian countries, with bilateral trade reaching approximately US$495.37 million, while also being the 38th largest export destination and the 24th largest source of imports.

The Philippines was the final stop on Prime Minister Luxon's week-long tour of Southeast Asia aimed at strengthening New Zealand's trade ties. Prior to this, he had visited Singapore and Thailand.

The Philippines and New Zealand established formal diplomatic relations on July 6, 1966, and will celebrate the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic ties in 2026.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/thu-tuong-new-zealand-tham-philippines-bien-dong-hop-tac-quoc-phong-va-nang-cap-quan-he-268335.html