Manila: The Philippines and Canada are poised to sign a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) on November 2, as announced by the Department of National Defense (DND) on Wednesday. The signing ceremony will see Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. representing the Philippines, while Minister of National Defense David McGuinty will sign on behalf of Canada.

According to Philippines News Agency, the agreement will be submitted for Presidential ratification following its signing. The defense officials will conduct a joint press conference at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati City shortly after their bilateral meeting and the signing of the SOVFA on Sunday afternoon.

Negotiations for the SOVFA between the Philippines and Canada were successfully concluded on March 7. "This agreement will establish a framework for increased cooperation, fostering closer collaboration between defense and military establishments, improving interoperability between forces, and facilitating more effective joint exercises and capacity-building activities," the DND stated.

Formal negotiations between the two nations began on January 16, 2025. The Philippines has established similar agreements with several other countries. This development follows the 75th anniversary of Philippines-Canada diplomatic relations in 2024, during which both nations reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties through the SOVFA.