The upcoming signing of the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) between the Philippines and Canada on Sunday underscores the country’s expanding defense and security partnerships with like-minded nations, the Department of National Defense (DND) said Friday.
In a statement, the DND said this initiative is in-line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call to strengthen international ties to promote regional peace and stability.
“The high-level defense engagement underscores the Philippines’ commitment to expand the country’s security partnerships,” it added.
This Sunday, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and his counterpart, Canadian Minister of National Defence David McGuinty, will hold a bilateral meeting in Makati City this Sunday prior to the signing of the SOVFA.
The meeting between the two officials highlights “the deepening defense partnership between the two nations.”
“Following the meeting, Secretary Teodoro and Minister McGuinty will sign the Philippines-Canada SOVFA, the negotiations for which concluded earlier in March this year,” the DND said.
SOVFA negotiations between the Philippines and Canada were successfully concluded last March 7.
“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,” it added.
Formal negotiations started on Jan. 16, 2025. 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.
