Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo will meet with his Canadian counterpart in Manila on May 19 for talks on trade and investment, the West Philippine Sea and other areas of cooperation. Canada's top diplomat, Foreign Minister Melanie Joly, will come to the Philippines as the two countries seek to advance their bilateral ties and high-level engagements in line with the upcoming 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. At their meeting, the two foreign ministers will also talk about energy, defense and maritime partnership as they are expected to exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual concern. Manalo is also expected to highlight the Philippine-Canada people-to-people ties, especially the large Filipino diaspora there, which comprises the 2.59 percent of the country's population, according to DFA. Joly will be the fourth Canadian cabinet member to visit the Philippines under the Marcos administration. "I welcome Foreign Minister Joly's visit to the Philippines as an avenue to deepen our two countries' collaboration based on our shared values, including democracy and adherence to a rules-based international order," Manalo said. "The Philippines and Canada's continued cooperation shows how partnerships based on those shared values can withstand numerous challenges and obstacles," he added. Bilateral ties between the two countries started in December 1949 when Canada established a trade mission in Manila. "I look forward to discussing matters of mutual interest and benefit to our countries and I am optimistic that this meeting can build on our nations' rich and storied friendship," Manalo said.