New Zealand, Philippines sign pact to boost defense ties

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) - New Zealand and the Philippines on Monday signed a pact to boost bilateral defense ties, amid tensions in the disputed South China Sea.

Wellington and Manila signed a mutual logistics support arrangement, which the Philippines Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said “will greatly enhance future military engagements between our nations.”

The pact allows the two sides to extend logistics support during exercises, training, deployments, and other exigencies as mutually determined by the two nations.

Documents regarding the pact were signed after Manalo hosted his counterpart Winston Peters in Manila.

If adopted, the agreement will allow militaries of the two sides to visit each other’s territories.
According to a joint statement, Peters and Manalo exchanged views on the region, including the South China Sea.

They “agreed on the important role maritime security and international law plays in ensuring peace and prosperity in the region,” said the statement.

The signing of a mutual logistics support arrangement comes as the Philippines and China are locked into a tussle over maritime claims in the mineral-rich South China Sea.