MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippines and New Zealand will elevate relations to a "comprehensive partnership" in 2026, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said on Thursday.

New Zealand is also committed to stepping up its defence relationship with the Philippines, Luxon told a joint press conference after a bilateral meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The two countries will celebrate their 60th year of diplomatic relations in 2026.

(Reporting by Neil Jerome Morales and Karen Lema; Editing by Martin Petty and Alex Richardson)