Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero received New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters, and New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines Catherine Rosemary McIntosh, during a recent courtesy call at the Senate Ceremonial Hall.
In anticipation of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026, both sides discussed how to further enhance cooperation across various fields which include defense and security in the region, economy, people-to-people linkages and inter parliamentary relations.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the inter-parliamentary cooperation can be further boosted through both parliaments’ existing friendship groups which have remained active in recent years.
The Senate President recognized New Zealand for all its assistance to the Philippines and expressed support of the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) which the Philippines and New Zealand may enter into in the future.
Escudero also expressed interest in the existing pension programs of New Zealand which the Philippines may learn from.
