President Marcos departed for Canada on Wednesday evening, July 1, for an official visit aimed at strengthening economic and security ties between Manila and Ottawa amid growing cooperation between the two countries.

Speaking before his departure, Marcos said the trip, which comes at the invitation of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, marks the first visit by a Philippine president to Canada in 10 years.

The President left for Canada with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and members of the Cabinet.

"My visit will build on this very positive trajectory as we pursue new collaborations in niche areas, such as in mining, critical minerals, and renewable energy," Marcos said in his departure statement.

"A key focus is the deepening of trade and investment relations, with the goal of increasing our two-way trade and bringing the Philippines within the investment radar of Canada's economic players," he added.

Marcos said he would hold a one-on-one meeting with Carney, followed by expanded bilateral talks involving both countries' delegations.

He added that the discussions are expected to lay the groundwork for a Philippines-Canada Plan of Action that would guide bilateral relations in the coming years.

President Marcos highlighted Canada's support for the Philippines' position on the West Philippine Sea, describing Ottawa as a "consistent and steadfast" partner in upholding international law.

"It may not be known to many, but Canada has been consistent and steadfast in its statements of support for the Philippines' assertion of its sovereignty and sovereign rights, especially in the midst of the ongoing issues we are facing in the West Philippine Sea," he said.

The President noted that both countries share an interest in maintaining a rules-based international order anchored on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award.

He also cited the growing defense partnership between the two countries, including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation in 2024 and the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement in 2025.

Earlier this year, Manila and Ottawa also held their inaugural maritime dialogue.

Marcos said trade discussions would also feature prominently during the visit as negotiations continue for both a bilateral Philippines-Canada Free Trade Agreement and an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Canada Free Trade Agreement.

"We have launched the negotiations for the Philippines-Canada Free Trade Agreement, alongside our negotiations for the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement," he said.

The President said he also intends to meet with business leaders and participate in roundtable discussions with the private sector.

Among the sectors he hopes to attract Canadian investments in are mining, information technology and business process management, nuclear energy, telecommunications, cyber technology, and financial services.

The President described Philippines-Canada relations as being at an "unprecedented momentum" under his administration.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1949 and are now in their 77th year.

Marcos cited recent developments that have strengthened ties between Manila and Ottawa, including the launch last year of Air Canada's nonstop Vancouver-Manila route.

The service complements Philippine Airlines' direct flights linking Manila with Toronto and Vancouver.

The President also noted that Philippine mangoes had recently entered the Canadian market.

Marcos said he would discuss with Carney the importance of the Indo-Pacific region, ASEAN, and multilateral cooperation.

He said he views Canada's growing role in the Indo-Pacific as "a positive force for peace, stability, and prosperity in the region."

The President added that he intends to invite Canada to play a more proactive role as countries in the region address the impact of the ongoing situation in the Middle East.

As this year's ASEAN chair, Marcos said he would discuss the Philippines' priorities on energy and food security, maritime cooperation, and the protection of ASEAN nationals.

While in British Columbia, the President is also expected to meet members of the Filipino community in Canada.

"Mayroon pong humigit-kumulang na isang milyong Pilipino sa Canada ngayon (There are approximately 1 million Filipinos in Canada today)," Marcos said.

"They are well-respected and sought after for their skills, professionalism, and dedication," he added.

Marcos described overseas Filipinos in Canada as among the country's best ambassadors and said he looks forward to reconnecting with them during the visit.

The Prime Minister's Office earlier said Marcos would be in Canada from July 1 to 4 as the two countries seek to deepen cooperation in commerce, defense, energy, food security, tourism, and culture.