Today, the Honourable David McGuinty, Minister of National Defence and the Philippine Secretary of National Defense, Gilbert Teodoro, signed a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) between Canada and the Philippines. This agreement builds on the Canada-Philippines Defence Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding signed in January 2024.
The SOVFA marks a new chapter in Canada-Philippines defence cooperation, enabling greater engagement, cooperation, and collaboration between both nations. It will allow the Canadian Armed Forces and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to work more closely together through participation in joint and multinational operations and exercises in each other's territories.
The Philippines is one of Canada's most important defence partners in the Indo-Pacific region. As a democratic nation, it plays a key role in promoting peace and stability in Southeast Asia and upholding respect for international law. Canada recognizes the Philippines' influential position in the region as we strengthen defence and security cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its members. Continuing to work closely with partners like the Philippines demonstrates Canada's long-term commitment to support peace, security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
The Indo-Pacific region is at the epicentre of a generational global shift. Every issue that matters to Canadians - national security, economic prosperity, democratic values, public health, the environment, and human rights - will be shaped by developments in this region and by the relationships Canada builds with its Indo-Pacific partners. As a Pacific nation, Canada's security and prosperity are closely linked to the stability of the broader Indo-Pacific region. Canada is, and will continue to be, an active, engaged and reliable partner in promoting regional peace and stability.
