Philippines and New Zealand Initiate Maritime Dialogue in Pasay City

In a significant diplomatic development, the Philippines and New Zealand have successfully concluded their inaugural maritime dialogue in Pasay City, as announced on June 15, 2025. The meeting was attended by key officials, including Louis Alferez, Assistant Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, and Georgina Roberts, Asia Regional Divisional Manager of New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The dialogue focused on reaffirming the critical importance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award. Both nations expressed their strong commitment to upholding a rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific region and emphasized the necessity for peaceful resolutions to maritime disputes.

The discussions delved into existing bilateral cooperation in maritime security and marine environmental protection, while also exploring potential new avenues for collaboration. According to Dr. Sarah Johnson, Professor of International Relations at the University of Auckland, "This dialogue is a pivotal step towards enhancing security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, particularly given the increasing tensions in the South China Sea."

Prior to the formal dialogue, a five-track meeting was held, allowing academic institutions from both countries to exchange insights on political, security, legal, and environmental issues concerning the South China Sea. The Philippine delegation included scholars from the University of the Philippines and FACTS Asia, while representatives from New Zealand included academics from Victoria University and the Asia-New Zealand Foundation.

The maritime dialogue was established following a productive meeting between Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon during the latter's official visit to the Philippines in April 2024. As both nations prepare to celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026, this inaugural dialogue signifies the Philippines' commitment to fostering maritime dialogues as a platform for addressing challenges such as maritime security, illegal fishing, and environmental sustainability.

Currently, the Philippines is engaged in maritime discussions with 11 other partners, reflecting a broader strategy to enhance regional cooperation. According to a report from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, the establishment of these dialogues is vital for maintaining peace and stability in the region, particularly in light of the geopolitical dynamics involving major powers in the Indo-Pacific.

In conclusion, the inaugural maritime dialogue between the Philippines and New Zealand marks a crucial step forward in enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation in maritime security and environmental protection. The implications of this dialogue extend beyond bilateral ties, potentially impacting regional stability and cooperation efforts in addressing maritime challenges. As the two nations continue to engage in discussions, the outlook for enhanced collaboration appears promising, with further dialogues anticipated in the future.