New Zealand and the Philippines formalized a Comprehensive Partnership in Manila, outlining deeper collaboration across four pillars: political engagement, defence and security and maritime cooperation, trade and economic ties, and people-to-people links. Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Foreign Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro said the move turns their friendship into concrete action and anchors a rules-based Indo-Pacific approach. The agreement includes two new cooperation arrangements on education and geothermal energy and paves the way for a Plan of Action in coming years. They also highlighted strengthened defence cooperation, joint exercises, and enhanced military ties, with broader trade ambitions and discussions on potential accession to the CPTPP. The partnership comes amid six decades of diplomatic relations and aligns with New Zealand’s support for the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship. Officials will continue regular consultations and high-level visits to implement the partnership.