JAKARTA, Indonesia — President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has lauded Canada for promoting maritime security and safety in the Indo-Pacific region and maintaining regional peace and stability.

Marcos said this during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Canada (ASEAN-Canada) Summit, which Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau himself attended, here on Wednesday, Sept. 6.

In his intervention during the summit, the President cited Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy which it launched in November last year.

"We certainly welcome the initiatives under Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, such as training on smart border patrols, addressing crime and terrorism, and military-to-military capacity building, to name but a few," he told Trudeau.

"We recognize Canada’s role in promoting maritime security and safety in the region. We welcome Canada’s continued engagement through capacity-building programs and specialized and skill-based training to counter traditional and emerging threats," he added.

At the same time, Marcos said the ASEAN welcomes the adoption of the Joint Leaders’ Statement on the ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership.

Upholding ASEAN Centrality, the President said the Strategy seeks to promote peace, resilience, and security; expand trade, investment, and supply chain resilience; invest in and connect people; and build a sustainable and green future in the Indo-Pacific region with ASEAN at its core.

“To further expand mutual trade, we should continue efforts at enhancing ASEAN connectivity and supply chains,” he said.

Marcos likewise recognized Canada’s continued support for education in ASEAN and its Feminist International Assistance Policy, including its support for the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation (AIPR) through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives.

Before this, Marcos and Trudeau held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 43rd ASEAN Summit, where the President expressed confidence that there were no obstacles in the deepening ties between their two countries. Trudeau also invited him to visit Canada next year in time for the 75th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Canada.