Both the Philippines and New Zealand have committed to maintaining a rules-based order in the region and modernizing their militaries to meet any current or emerging security threats.

This was emphasized during the courtesy call of New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines Peter Kell to Department of National Defense (DND) chief Carlito Galvez Jr. on March 29.

“The two officials shared views on the common values and priorities of the Philippines and New Zealand, particularly in maintaining a rules-based order in the region, and modernizing their respective armed forces to meet current and emerging security challenges,” DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in a statement Monday night.

Both countries also committed to work closely under the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus, he added.

During the meeting, Andolong said Galvez reiterated the Philippines’ gratitude for New Zealand’s contribution and support to the Philippine government’s response to the pandemic.

“He (Galvez) also expressed appreciation for New Zealand’s invitation to the DND to send a representative to the Defense Policy Makers Course in May 2023. Along this line, the possibility of exploring increased education and training exchanges between the two defense establishments was also discussed,” he added.

Andolong said both sides also conveyed that they look forward to the conduct of the Philippines – New Zealand Bilateral Defense Talks (BDT).

This year’s BDT will be hosted by New Zealand and will enable both sides to discuss ways to advance bilateral defense cooperation, he said. (PNA)