NZ and Philippines sign agreements
17:26 Tue Oct 23 2012
AAP
New Zealand and the Philippines have signed a formal defence co-operation arrangement, a working holidays agreement and a commitment to work together on geothermal energy developments.
The agreements were signed on Tuesday after talks between Prime Minister John Key and Philippines President Benigno Aquino.
Mr Key said at a joint press conference the defence arrangement formalised the status quo but was still an important step in the relationship.
"We look forward to working even more closely in the future," he said.
President Aquino said the two countries had much in common.
"We are on the same side on so many different issues."
The working holiday agreement is the first the Philippines has signed with any country and provides for 100 12-month visas in each direction for citizens aged between 18 and 30.
President Aquino said the aim was to enhance cultural understanding and bring New Zealand and the Philippines closer through people-to-people contact.
The geothermal energy development commitment provides for a formal government-to-government framework supporting commercial ventures.
President Aquino arrived on Sunday with a 70-member delegation including ministers and business leaders.
He will attend a state dinner at Government House on Tuesday night before leaving for Canberra.
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