Visiting forces deal to enhance PH-Canada defense ties – embassy

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora, Philippine News Agency

The conclusion of the SOVFA talks with Canada follows the ratification of the Reciprocal Access Agreement with Japan last year and the capping of another SOVFA negotiation with New Zealand last month. (File Photo: Jonathan Letniak/Unsplash)

MANILA – The Philippines can expect closer defense cooperation with Canada once the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) enters into force, the Canadian Embassy in Manila said Saturday.

The negotiations for a Canada-Philippines SOVFA, an agreement that will allow the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Canadian Armed Forces to operate and train together in each other’s territories, have recently successfully concluded.

In a statement, the Canadian Embassy said this milestone reflects the “unwavering commitment of both parties to strengthen bilateral relations.”

“This agreement will launch a new chapter in the Philippines-Canadian bilateral defense relationship – one that sees us working much more closely as trusted partners,” it said.

The embassy noted that the deal would reinforce the two states’ Defense Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding signed in January 2024.

“In these turbulent times, Canada stands with friends and partners like the Philippines to uphold peace, stability, and respect for international law,” it said.

Canada’s Minister of National Defense Bill Blair said the successful conclusion of the agreement is also a “significant milestone for the overall bilateral relationship between the Philippines and Canada, which celebrated 75 years of diplomatic ties in 2024.”

The Department of National Defense (DND) and Canada’s Department of National Defense on March 7 announced the capping of negotiations for a SOVFA.

In announcing the development, the DND said it looks forward to its positive impact and expects it to “contribute to peace, stability, and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.”

The conclusion of the SOVFA talks with Canada follows the ratification of the Reciprocal Access Agreement with Japan last year and the capping of another SOVFA negotiation with New Zealand last month.