Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed his gratitude to Canada for its unwavering support of a rules-based order in the South China Sea (SCS) and for acknowledging the 2016 arbitral tribunal award as conclusive and legally binding during a joint press statement with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos highlighted Canada's steadfast commitment to upholding international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). He noted Canada's vocal and consistent support, as the Philippines marks the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal Award on the South China Sea, emphasizing the significance of maintaining peace and stability in the region.
Marcos expressed appreciation for Canada's increasing involvement in the Indo-Pacific through its Indo-Pacific Strategy. He also acknowledged the deployment of Canada's Dark Vessel Detection Program to the Philippines, which has enhanced the country's maritime domain awareness and efforts against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. Marcos expressed the Philippines' interest in the continued implementation of this program in its waters.
Prime Minister Carney underscored the critical role of middle powers like Canada in bolstering the international rules-based order through collaborations with 'like-minded countries.' He emphasized the importance of reinforcing and updating this order and building alliances where countries can cooperate to strengthen both themselves and the system.
The discussions between Marcos and Carney also touched on expanding defense and security cooperation as part of the newly established Strategic Partnership between the Philippines and Canada. Carney announced Canada's intention to ratify the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement, which would enable the armed forces of both nations to engage in closer collaboration through joint military exercises. Carney highlighted the importance of underpinning shared security and deepening collaboration in marine maritime security and multinational military operations.
