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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH, Canada to sign visiting forces deal on November 2

PH, Canada to sign visiting forces deal on November 2

Published Oct 29, 2025 04:56 pm
(File photo)
(File photo)
The Philippines and Canada are set to sign a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) next week, which is expected to further strengthen the defense and security cooperation of the two nations.
In an advisory Wednesday, Oct. 29, the Department of National Defense (DND) said the military agreement will be signed by DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Canadian Minister of National Defence David McGuinty on Sunday, Nov. 2.
The SOVFA will serve as the legal framework governing the presence and activities of visiting forces from both countries, paving the way for closer collaboration between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Canadian Armed Forces in areas such as military training, humanitarian assistance, and regional security operations.
According to defense and security officials, the signing of the military pact reflects Canada’s growing engagement in Southeast Asia and the Philippines’ continuing efforts to expand its network of security partners amid lingering tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) due to China’s expansionist claims.
The initiative follows a series of high-level exchanges between Manila and Ottawa in recent years aimed at deepening cooperation in defense modernization, maritime security, and disaster response.
The two countries officially concluded negotiations for a SOVFA on March 7, 2025. It builds on the Defence Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two nations in January 2024, which laid the foundation for closer collaboration in defense, security, and capacity-building initiatives.
Manila has existing visiting forces deals with the United States, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand. The DND is also negotiating a similar agreement with France.
Read: PH a step closer to signing visiting forces agreement with Canada

Related Tags

SOVFA Philippines Canada AFP Canadian Armed Forces Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
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