MANILA – The Philippines is set to see closer defense ties with Canada, following the successful conclusion of negotiations for a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA), the Canadian Embassy in Manila announced on Saturday (08 Mar 2025).
This agreement will enable the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Canadian Armed Forces to conduct joint operations and training in each other’s territories, marking a significant step forward in bilateral defense cooperation.
The Canadian Embassy emphasized that the SOVFA highlights the strong commitment of both nations to deepen their bilateral relationship. “This agreement opens a new chapter in our defense ties, strengthening us as trusted partners,” the embassy stated.
It also reinforces the Defense Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding signed by both countries in January 2024. In a time of global uncertainty, Canada reaffirmed its support for the Philippines, underscoring its commitment to peace, stability, and international law.
Canada’s Minister of National Defense, Bill Blair, hailed the agreement as a milestone in the broader bilateral relationship, which celebrated 75 years of diplomatic ties in 2024.
The Philippines’ Department of National Defense (DND) and Canada’s Department of National Defense announced the conclusion of the SOVFA talks on March 7, expressing confidence that it will contribute to stability and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
The agreement follows recent defense agreements with Japan and New Zealand, signaling growing regional security collaboration.
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