Vancouver: The Philippines and Canada on Thursday (Canada time) elevated their bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership, signaling a new phase of cooperation in key areas such as defense and trade. The elevation of ties was formalized following a bilateral meeting between President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Both leaders committed to expanding collaboration across key strategic sectors amid evolving geopolitical and economic challenges in the Indo-Pacific.
According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos announced in a joint statement after his meeting with Carney, 'Today, I am pleased to announce the elevation of our bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership.' Marcos said foreign ministers of both countries have been tasked to formulate a Plan of Action that will guide the implementation of the partnership and help both nations respond to evolving global challenges while building a 'future-ready partnership.' His official visit to Canada is the first by a Philippine president in more than a decade.
Marcos and Carney agreed to deepen defense and security cooperation, accelerate efforts to expand trade and investment, strengthen collaboration in energy and critical minerals, and enhance economic resilience and people-to-people exchanges. Marcos stated that recent milestones in defense cooperation demonstrate the growing trust between the Philippines and Canada. '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 said.
The two leaders also discussed the Philippines' chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Their meeting focused on discussions aimed at maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and expanding cooperation under Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy. Beyond security, Marcos said the Strategic Partnership aims to deepen economic cooperation, including increased trade and investment, stronger supply chains, and collaboration in the energy and natural resources sectors.
The two leaders also witnessed the signing of cooperation agreements following their bilateral talks, underscoring both nations' commitment to institutionalizing their growing partnership. The strategic partnership builds on the growing momentum in bilateral ties, including the signing of the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement in 2025 and expanding defense cooperation through joint military training, maritime security initiatives, and interoperability between the armed forces of both countries.
Marcos' four-day official visit to Canada also includes meetings with Canadian business leaders and members of the Filipino community in Vancouver to promote investment opportunities and strengthen people-to-people linkages.
