Canadian troops have concluded their participation in SAMASAMA, a joint exercise between the Philippines and the US, proving its determination to bolster its defense ties with both countries to address challenges in the Indo-Pacific.

Members of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) aboard His Majesty Canadian Ship (HMCS) Vancouver and of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) on the embarked CH-148 left the Philippines after training with Filipinos and American counterparts by the shore and in the Philippine waters.

During the shore phase of the exercise, CAF members participated in exchanges on medical; legal; public affairs; and Women, Peace and Security subject-matter.

During the sea phase, HMCS Vancouver was part of activities that focused on building partnerships, enhancing maritime domain awareness, interdiction, search and rescue, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

Such a phase also included patrols, cross-deck landing of embarked helicopters and search and rescue drills to synchronize efforts with other participating navies, according to the Canadian government.

"Canada is determined to grow its defence relationship with the Philippines and address shared security challenges to maintain a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific," Commander Meghan Coates, Commanding Officer of HMCS Vancouver, said.  

"This first time participation in Exercise SAMASAMA reflects the Canadian Armed Forces commitment to play a meaningful and active role in the region, and to strengthen our relationship with our partners in the Armed Forces of the Philippines," she added.

Vancouver was the third Canadian ship that arrived in the country this year after HMCS Ottawa and MV Asterix.

It was a move that proved that "Canada is delivering on its commitments in the Indo-Pacific,” Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines David Hartman said.

"Canada and the Philippines share a common commitment to the rules-based international order, international law, and democracy. Military exercises such as this one build upon and reinforce the already robust ties between our two countries," he added.

For now, the Canadian government said it continues to explore opportunities for enhanced defense cooperation with the Philippines, including through the Military Training and Cooperation Program and capacity-building initiatives.

"Consistent cooperation and collaborative training benefit all participating partners by fostering close navy-to-navy relationships based on mutual security priorities and contribute to a peaceful and secure maritime environment," it said.

 "HMCS Vancouver is now departing the Philippines, to continue planned operations in the wider Indo-Pacific," it added.