President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced that the Philippines and Canada have elevated their bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership, marking a new phase of deeper cooperation in defense, trade, energy, tourism, and regional security.
The announcement followed bilateral talks between Marcos and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the Vancouver Convention Centre, held as part of the Philippine leader's official visit to Canada from July 1 to 4.
Speaking at a joint press conference, Marcos said the Strategic Partnership reflects both countries' commitment to strengthen cooperation in response to evolving global challenges.
"We have tasked our Foreign Ministers to draw up a Plan of Action to pursue our shared commitment to work together in adapting to shifting global realities, addressing shared challenges, and building capacities for a future-ready partnership," Marcos said.
"We recognize that robust defense and security cooperation underpins the strong momentum of our relations. Recent milestones in this pillar underscore the shared commitment of our countries in ensuring that our peoples continue to live in a peaceful and secure region," he added.
Canada becomes the sixth country to establish a strategic partnership with the Philippines.
Marcos also noted that he and Carney reaffirmed their commitment to conclude negotiations for a bilateral free trade agreement within the year while continuing discussions on the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement.
"We renewed our commitment to increase our bilateral trade, stand against economic coercion, and build a resilient supply chain. We are pleased to witness the signing of the Joint Declaration of Intent on Energy and Natural Resources Cooperation," the President said.
Carney welcomed Marcos' visit, describing it as an opportunity to deepen economic, security, and cultural ties between the two countries.
"Today, President Marcos is here beginning his State Visit that will deepen our economic and security, and cultural ties with the Philippines, and given his Presidency in ASEAN, across the 500 million residents of the ASEAN countries," Carney said.
The Canadian prime minister also underscored the Philippines' role as the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and expressed Canada's interest in strengthening engagement with Southeast Asia.
Manila will be hosting the 49th ASEAN Summit in November.
During the visit, Marcos and Carney also witnessed the signing of several agreements covering energy and natural resources, tourism, migrant workers, and cultural cooperation.
Among the agreements signed was a Memorandum of Understanding on Tourism Cooperation, which seeks to expand collaboration in tourism promotion, knowledge sharing, and sustainable tourism development between the Philippines and Canada.
The two leaders also highlighted the growing security partnership between their countries.
In 2023, Canada granted the Philippines access to its proprietary Dark Vessel Detection System, which is now used by Philippine government agencies and the Philippine Navy to monitor the country's maritime domain.
Marcos' visit marks the first by a Philippine president to Canada since the state visit of the late President Benigno Aquino III in 2015.
