The Department of National Defense (DND) on Wednesday announced that the Philippines and Canada are set to sign a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) on November 2.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. will sign the pact on behalf of the Philippines, while Canadian Minister of National Defense David McGuinty will represent Canada.
Once signed, the agreement will be forwarded for Presidential ratification. Teodoro and McGuinty are also scheduled to hold a joint press conference at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati City following their bilateral meeting and the signing ceremony.
The Defense Department earlier said that negotiations for the SOVFA between the two countries were successfully concluded on March 7, with formal negotiations starting on January 16.
“This agreement will establish a framework for increased cooperation, fostering closer collaboration between defense and military establishments, improving interoperability between forces, and facilitating more effective joint exercises and capacity-building activities,” the DND said.
The Philippines has similar agreements with at least three to four countries.
Following the 75th anniversary of Philippines-Canada diplomatic relations in 2024, the two nations reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties through the conclusion of the SOVFA.
