New Zealand and the Philippines have agreed to sign a mutual defence logistics agreement by the end of the year that would allow closer cooperation between the two militaries.
It could potentially allow New Zealand to participate in major defence drills like that happening in the South China Sea.
Christopher Luxon secured the deal after making very fast friends with President Marcos and a grand welcome ceremony to his Manila mansion. He told Marcos over a toast: "Mr President Marcos and First Lady Liza, we knew - Amanda and I - when we first met you we'd like you."
A state dinner was held in Luxon's honour, and he was the first guest invited to stay at the president's official residence - something Luxon can't even do at home at Premier House which requires renovations.
"I'm honoured to be able to be the first guest to stay there and congratulations on all the great work that you've done on redecorating the place as well."
Marcos told Luxon he was "very, very happy to be able to welcome you".
Top of the closer relationship list was defence and security.
"Together we are committed to stepping up our defence relationship. President Marcos and I are directing our officials to get the legal underpinnings in place to get our militaries to be able to work alongside one another in a more frictionless manner," said Luxon.
The Philippines and United States will host war games in the South China Sea over the coming week. Australian soldiers will join in - New Zealand will be an observer.
The signing of a Mutual Logistics Supporting Arrangement by the end of 2024 would allow New Zealand to take part like Australia.
Though Luxon said it didn't mean New Zealand would participate.
"No, no. Not getting drawn in, what we're talking about is allowing transit to happen through those kinds of arrangements."
Luxon said the legal agreements would mean New Zealand could do more humanitarian work because it would allow our aircraft to land at Philippine airports.
