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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH a step closer to signing visiting forces agreement with Canada

PH a step closer to signing visiting forces agreement with Canada

Published Mar 7, 2025 08:32 am
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(File photo)

Two weeks after winding up talks for a visiting forces agreement with New Zealand, the Philippines is again a step closer to signing a similar treaty with Canada, the Department of National Defense (DND) announced Friday, March 7.

Negotiating panels from both countries concluded the negotiations for the proposed Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) which were supplemented by virtual meetings and inter-agency consultations “to ensure that the agreement aligns with both nations’ mutual interests and priorities.”

The VFA will allow the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to conduct military exercises in each other’s territories. No specific date was disclosed when the VFA will be signed but the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines earlier disclosed the pact was expected to be sealed before the end of 2025.

Following the 75th anniversary of the Philippines-Canada diplomatic relations last year, DND spokesperson Asst. Sec. Arsenio Andolong said Manila and Ottawa reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen bilateral ties through the conclusion of the SOVFA.

He said the agreement will establish a framework for increased cooperation between the two countries, “fostering closer collaboration between defense and military establishments, improving interoperability between forces, and facilitating more effective joint exercises and capacity-building activities.”

“This development underscored the Philippines' commitment to bolstering international partnerships and promoting regional security, thereby ensuring security and economic prosperity of both countries,” Andolong said.

The negotiating panels were led by DND Undersecretary Angelito M. De Leon for the Philippine side and Canada Department of National Defence (DND) Assistant Deputy Minister Scott Millar for the Canadian side.

Also included in the Philippine delegation were Presidential Commission on Visiting Forces Undersecretary Antonio Habulan Jr.; DND Assistant Secretaries Marita I. Yoro and Erik Lawrence Dy; Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Assistant Secretaries Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga and Patrick Chuasoto, and Officer-in-Charge Paulo Saret; and Department of Justice (DOJ) Undersecretary Raul Vasquez and Chief State Counsel Dennis Arvin Chan. 

Meanwhile, the Canadian delegation was composed of representatives from their Department of National Defence and Global Affairs Canada.

Andolong said the DND remains committed to working closely with international partners to safeguard national interests and strengthen security efforts in the region.

“The Philippines looks forward to the positive impact of the SOVFA, which is expected to contribute to peace, stability, and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region,” he noted.

Read: PH, New Zealand wind up talks on visiting forces pact – DND

The development came shortly after the Philippines also concluded the negotiations for the SOVFA with New Zealand last Feb. 18. A similar treaty is also being eyed by the Philippines with France.

Manila has been enhancing its international cooperation with allies and friendly nations amid increasing complexities in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Currently, the Philippines has existing VFAs with Australia and the United States, while its Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) with Japan has already been ratified by the Senate and is awaiting ratification from Japan's National Diet.

Related Tags

visiting forces agreement (VFA) PH-Canada Department of National Defense Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) DND
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