Canada has reaffirmed its support for the 2016 arbitral ruling on the South China Sea as Manila and Ottawa moved to further deepen their defense and security cooperation following talks between President Marcos and Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Speaking during a joint press conference following their bilateral meeting in Vancouver, Canada, Carney reiterated Canada's support for international law and the rules-based international order, including the landmark ruling that invalidated China's expansive claims in the South China Sea.

"We absolutely uphold and squarely back the decisions of 2016 that are directly relevant to the territorial waters and activities of the Philippines," Carney said early Friday, July 3.

The Canadian Prime Minister made the remarks as the Philippines prepares to mark the 10th anniversary of the arbitral ruling issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague on July 12, 2016.

President Marcos welcomed Canada's continued support for the Philippines' position in the West Philippine Sea.

"I thank Canada for its vocal and consistent support for a rules-based order in the South China Sea under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and in upholding the Arbitral Award as final and legally binding," Marcos said.

The President earlier described Canada as one of the countries that had been "consistent and steadfast" in supporting the Philippines' sovereignty and sovereign rights amid tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

The reaffirmation came as the two countries elevated bilateral ties to a strategic partnership and committed to expanding defense cooperation.

Marcos said both countries recognize that robust defense and security ties underpin the growing momentum in Philippines-Canada relations.

The President cited the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation in 2024 and the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SVFA) signed in Manila in November last year.

Just last month, the two countries also signed a Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement and a Statement of Intent on Strengthening Defense Cooperation during the visit of Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. to Ottawa.

Carney said Canada expects to complete the ratification of the visiting forces agreement in the near future. Once ratified, the agreement will establish the legal framework for military personnel from both countries participating in exercises, training activities, and other defense engagements in each other's territory.

The Philippines and Canada also agreed to continue expanding maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

Earlier this year, Manila and Ottawa held their inaugural Maritime Dialogue aimed at strengthening collaboration on maritime security, regional stability, and freedom of navigation.

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

The President added that like-minded countries must continue working together to address evolving security challenges and uphold international law.

Canada has increasingly stepped up its presence in the Indo-Pacific in recent years, including participating in maritime patrols and multilateral exercises in support of a free and open region.