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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH, Canada in 'final stages' of defense pact negotiations

PH, Canada in 'final stages' of defense pact negotiations

Published Feb 11, 2025 10:02 am

The Philippines and Canada are in the final stages of negotiations for the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SoVFA), a pact that will allow them to send troops to each other’s soil, the Canadian Embassy in Manila said.

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Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines David Hartman (Photo from Amb. Hartman)

In a statement, the embassy stated that both countries held the Inaugural Defense Cooperation Working Group in Manila last month.

“And, I am especially happy to announce that we are in the final stages of negotiating a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement that will enable us to have even more substantive participation in joint and multilateral training, exercises, and operations with our Philippine allies,” Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines David Hartman said.

This was a result of the Defense Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding signed in early 2024.

Asked by foreign media about the timeline, Hartman responded that signing and ratification are expected within the year, according to the embassy.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), meanwhile, deferred to the Department of National Defense (DND) on the details of the negotiations of the agreement, but underscored the importance of the SoVFA.

“The SOVFA further deepens our bilateral defense relations with Canada and our long-standing friendship with this country,” the DFA said.

“The Philippines and Canada celebrated 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2024. The Philippines is committed to further strengthening our defense capabilities and our engagements with key defense partners support our national efforts,” it added.

Manila has similar visiting forces agreements with the United States and Japan. It is also in talks with France and New Zealand regarding defense pacts.

This development in the country’s defense posture comes in the face of China's growing assertion of claims in the South China Sea, including the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of the Philippines.

The VFA would open the doors for Canadian forces’ participation in the joint military exercises between the Philippines and the United States.

Royal Canadian Navy’s His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Ottawa’s visit to Manila was proof of Canada’s commitment to regional security and the rule of law in the Indo-Pacific region, the embassy said in an earlier statement.

Related Tags

Indo-Pacific Region DFA Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) Canada
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