Canada-Philippines Strategic Partnership Expands Trade and Defence Cooperation
VANCOUVER — Canada and the Philippines have agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership, marking a significant expansion of cooperation across trade, defence, energy, security and people-to-people ties during Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s official visit to Canada.
Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. met in Vancouver on July 2, where the two leaders announced a broad roadmap aimed at strengthening economic growth, regional security and long-term cooperation between the two countries.
The visit marks the first by a Philippine president to Canada since 2015 and comes as both governments seek to deepen engagement across the Indo-Pacific amid evolving geopolitical and economic challenges.
Strategic Partnership Announced
The centrepiece of the meeting was the agreement to formally elevate Canada-Philippines relations to a Strategic Partnership.
The leaders directed their foreign ministers to develop a comprehensive action plan that will guide the next phase of bilateral cooperation.
The announcement builds on recent milestones, including the signing of a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA), a Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement (MLSA), the launch of bilateral free trade negotiations and expanded diplomatic engagement.
Officials said the enhanced partnership reflects the growing importance of Canada and the Philippines as trusted partners committed to regional stability, economic prosperity and resilient global supply chains.
Free Trade and Economic Cooperation
Economic cooperation featured prominently during the discussions.
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to concluding a Canada-Philippines Free Trade Agreement, noting that bilateral merchandise trade reached $3.4 billion in 2025.
They also highlighted ongoing negotiations toward an ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement, which remains a priority under the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN chairmanship.
Additional agreements announced during the visit include:
- A Joint Declaration of Intent on Energy and Natural Resources Cooperation.
- A joint technical partnership in geoscience.
- Annual government-to-government energy dialogue.
- Canada’s initial $2 million contribution to support the Luzon Economic Corridor Partnership.
The leaders also identified opportunities for expanded cooperation in energy, mining, agriculture, infrastructure, digital technologies, space, healthcare and defence industries.
Defence and Indo-Pacific Security
Defence and regional security were also major priorities.
Carney and Marcos reaffirmed their shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific governed by international law.
The leaders pledged to expand military cooperation through joint exercises and increased interoperability between the Canadian Armed Forces and the Armed Forces of the Philippines as recently signed defence agreements come into force.
They also reaffirmed support for maritime security and freedom of navigation, referencing the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitration ruling.
Canada will continue supporting the Philippines through initiatives including its Dark Vessel Detection program and enhanced maritime cooperation.
Strengthening People-to-People Connections
The meeting also highlighted the deep cultural and community ties between the two countries.
Canada is home to more than one million people of Filipino descent, making the Filipino Canadian community one of the country’s largest and fastest-growing diaspora populations.
The leaders welcomed new agreements covering tourism, cultural cooperation, labour mobility and migration while reaffirming commitments to ethical recruitment, worker protections and foreign credential recognition.
They also committed to improving bilateral air services and expanding educational and cultural exchanges.
Looking Ahead
Carney and Marcos concluded the meeting by expressing confidence that the newly established Strategic Partnership will strengthen cooperation across economic development, defence, regional security and people-to-people ties for years to come.
The leaders agreed to maintain close engagement as both governments work toward ambitious outcomes across all areas of cooperation.
Source: Prime Minister’s Office, July 2, 2026.
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