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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Canadian frigate's visit highlights robust ties with PH—envoy

Canadian frigate's visit highlights robust ties with PH—envoy

Published Feb 10, 2025 06:03 am

The port visit of the Royal Canadian Navy’s His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Ottawa to Manila was proof of the strength of the Philippines’ and Canada’s ties and demonstrated Canada’s commitment to regional security and the rule of law in the Indo-Pacific region.

HMCS Ottawa.jpgHMCS Ottawa (FFH-341), a Halifax-class frigate operated by the Royal Canadian Navy, arrives in Manila on Feb. 7, 2025 for a goodwill visit. (Photo from the Philippine Navy)

“The arrival of HMCS Ottawa continues to demonstrate the robustness of the Canada-Philippines relationship,” Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines David Hartman said.

“The visit is also a clear commitment of Canada’s dedication to regional security and stability. As maritime nations, Canada and the Philippines share a common interest in upholding a rules-based international order and maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific,” he added.

The Canadian Navy conducted a goodwill visit to the Philippines for the first time this year as part of Canada’s commitment to continue engaging with the region under its Indo-Pacific Strategy.

During the visit, the HMCS Ottawa had a full program, which included professional development and training opportunities with the Philippine Navy.

HMCS Ottawa, which arrived on Friday and is docked at the Manila South Harbor until Feb. 11, embarked with an air detachment operating a CH-148 Cyclone maritime helicopter. It last made a port call to the Philippines in Subic Bay in 2023.

The frigate has approximately 240 highly trained and professional sailors, soldiers, and aviators, including 15 of Philippine descent.

It is one of twelve Halifax-class frigates of the RCN, and is equipped with extensive anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare weapons and sensors to complement their substantial anti-air warfare defenses.

These frigates are considered one of the most advanced warship designs in the world.

Also part of the program were community outreach projects and friendly games of basketball and ice hockey.

The deployment of HMCS Ottawa is part of Canada’s Operation Horizon, which aims to promote peace and stability in support of a rules-based international order in some of the world’s busiest and most vital waterways.

Through the visits, the Canadian Armed Forces and their counterparts participate in international training, exercises, and engagements, enhance security, and build defense partnerships.

The visit came as the Philippines and Canada are taking the final steps to complete a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SoVFA) after signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Defense Cooperation Memorandum last year.

The two countries are expected to ratify the SoVFA before this year ends.

Related Tags

port visit HMCS Ottawa Indo Pacific Region Canadian Embassy
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