Press Release – New Zealand GovernmentThe Comprehensive Partnership provides a framework for deeper collaboration across four pillars: political engagement; defence, security, and maritime cooperation; trade and economic ties; and people-to-people links. Rt Hon Winston PetersMinister of Foreign Affairs21 July 2026The Foreign Ministers of New Zealand and the Philippines have announced a Comprehensive Partnership today. “Elevating our relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership signals the importance we place on working together to support a stable, rules-based Indo-Pacific.” New Zealand and the Philippines also signed two new cooperation arrangements today to give effect to the Comprehensive Partnership on education and geothermal energy. From this evening, Mr Peters’ focus in Manila turns to Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN)-related events and engagements.