VIENTIANE — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed his gratitude to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Thursday for Canada’s assistance in enhancing the Philippines’ capabilities in the South China Sea.
During a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, both leaders highlighted the strengthening ties between their nations.
“We are very grateful, of course, for Canada’s continuing support in terms of the upholding of the rule of law,” Marcos told Trudeau.
He emphasized Canada’s role not just in voicing support but also in providing tangible capacity-building efforts and maintaining a presence in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in the South China Sea.
Canada has been actively involved in joint air and naval exercises in the West Philippine Sea, alongside the Philippines, Australia, and the United States.
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro previously mentioned that Manila and Ottawa are drafting a reciprocal military agreement to allow both countries to accommodate each other’s troops for interoperability missions and exercises.
“I think I’m safe in saying that the relationship between Canada and the Philippines has never been closer in our entire history,” Marcos added.
He credited this growing partnership to long-standing people-to-people exchanges, which have evolved into broader collaboration.
“We look forward to your continuing support and your endorsement of our position in the G7 when you take the chair of G7,” Marcos said, referring to Canada’s upcoming leadership of the Group of 7 (G7).
Earlier this year, the G7 condemned China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea, including the use of water cannons and other hazardous maneuvers within the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone.
“We continue opposing China’s dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia in the South China Sea and its repeated obstruction of countries’ high seas freedom of navigation,” the G7 said in a June statement.
Trudeau acknowledged the deepening relations between the Philippines and Canada, particularly in the areas of regional security and safety, ranging from fishing rights to military cooperation.
“We are happy to step up together in so many different ways. Lots to do,” Trudeau said.
He also noted that discussions between Manila and Ottawa would extend to potential Free Trade Agreements and other initiatives to further strengthen ties.