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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH, Canada reaffirm defense ties, commit to push forward on SOVFA

PH, Canada reaffirm defense ties, commit to push forward on SOVFA

Published Sep 8, 2025 03:50 pm
(L-R) Canada’s Deputy Minister of Defence Stefanie Beck and Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. shake hands during their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Seoul Defense Dialogue (SDD) and the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the United Nations Command in South Korea on Sept. 8, 2025. (Photo: DND)
(L-R) Canada’s Deputy Minister of Defence Stefanie Beck and Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. shake hands during their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Seoul Defense Dialogue (SDD) and the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the United Nations Command in South Korea on Sept. 8, 2025. (Photo: DND)
The Department of National Defense (DND) reaffirmed its defense and security cooperation with Canada’s Minister of Defence on the sidelines of the Seoul Defense Dialogue (SDD) and the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the United Nations Command in South Korea on Monday, Sept. 8.
DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. met Canada’s Deputy Minister of Defence Stefanie Beck in Seoul where they acknowledged progress in ongoing bilateral initiatives, including the proposed Philippines-Canada Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA).
“The meeting reaffirmed the strong and growing defense partnership between the Philippines and Canada, founded on shared values and a mutual commitment to peace, security, and stability in the Indo-Pacific region,” Defense spokesperson Asst. Sec. Arsenio Andolong said.
The proposed SOVFA seeks to provide a clear legal framework governing the presence of visiting military personnel in each other’s territory. It would define the rights, obligations, and legal protections of troops engaged in joint exercises, training activities, and humanitarian or disaster relief operations.
The negotiations for the SOVFA were concluded by both parties last March 7, reinforcing the Defence Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two countries in January 2024. The deal is expected to be signed "soon".
Further, Teodoro welcomed Canada’s increased engagement in regional security, highlighting its participation in recent multilateral maritime activities alongside the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
The AFP sailed off Palauig to San Antonio, Zambales together with the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), Royal Australian Navy (RAN), and the United States Indo-Pacific Command during the 10th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on Sept. 2 to 3.
Teodoro also cited continued cooperation between Manila and Ottawa in the field of cybersecurity as a key area of mutual interest.
Meanwhile, Beck reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to strengthening defense ties with the Philippines across multiple domains as she underscored her country’s readiness to support efforts that enhance regional security and uphold the rule of law.
The two officials agreed to pursue closer coordination between their armed forces in training, defense education, and interoperability.
They concluded their meeting with a mutual commitment to advance bilateral defense cooperation, sustain high-level exchanges, and expand joint initiatives in support of a stable and secure Indo-Pacific.

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DND Canada defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr. Stefanie Beck SOVFA
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