Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly would be in Manila from May 18 to 21 to advance bilateral cooperation and the implementation of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy.
(Photo from Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly via Twitter/Facebook)
A post from Global Affairs Canada, the foreign policy agency, was retweeted by Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines David Hartman who said he and the embassy team are “looking forward” to welcome Joly in Manila.
She is scheduled to meet with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and other Cabinet members to discuss, among others, regional security and stability, maintenance of a rules-based international order, Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, and partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
“The Indo-Pacific is the global centre of economic dynamism and is of strategic importance to our security. What brings our countries together is our unwavering commitment to democracy, prosperity, and a free, open and sustainable Indo-Pacific, rooted in the rule of law,” Joly said.
“Canada continues to deepen relationships in the region with key partners, including Korea and the Philippines,” she added.
The official also plans to meet with government officials, academics, non-governmental organizations, and civil society leaders “to gain insights into the challenges facing the Philippines and the region.”
She will build on the strong people to people ties between the two countries as she seek ways to boost cooperation under Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy.
The strategy is aimed at confronting malign influence, combating climate change, protecting maritime environments, and building more resilient, inclusive and prosperous societies.
Before her Manila visit, Joly is scheduled to be in South Korea from May 15 to 17.
In both visits, she will promote the strong vibrant people-to-people ties between Canada and its Indo-Pacific partners.
Based on the 2021 census, there are 960,000 people of Philippine origin living in Canada, while a growing number of Philippine citizens visit family and friends in Canada or study at Canadian colleges and universities or emigrate to Canada.
The Philippines is one of the fastest growing economies in the Indo-Pacific region.
The country creates commercial, development, and climate finance opportunities for Canada.
In 2022, Canada-Philippines bilateral merchandise trade totalled $3.1 billion Canadian with merchandise exports to the Philippines valued at $1.1 billion ($1.3B in 2021), while imports from the Philippines amounted to $1.94 billion ($1.4B in 2021).