EDCA with Canada, defense pact with UK – DND

MANILA, Philippines —  Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. confirmed on Tuesday that a memorandum of agreement or understanding with Canada on enhanced defense cooperation is in the works and may be signed soon.

The Department of National Defense (DND) has also reportedly signed a new defense agreement with the United Kingdom which will see possible joint military exercises between the militaries of the two nations in the next five years.

The MOA with Canada, Teodoro said, is underway and is expected to be signed by both parties in the first quarter this year.

Last month, Canada also indicated its interest to have a Visiting Forces Agreement-type deal with the Philippines.

The MOA between the DND and the Ministry of Defence of the United Kingdom was signed last Jan. 11 at the Philippine embassy in London, according to a www.gov.uk.

The document was signed by UK Minister of State for Defence The Earl of Minto and Philippine Ambassador Teodoro Locsin Jr.

The report said the agreement between the Philippines and the UK outlines the intent of defense engagement for the next five years across a range of areas including military exercises, training and modernization efforts. It is expected to focus on maritime domain, exclusive economic zone, hydrography and UK participation in future military exercises.

The signing of the MOA follows the October 2023 visit of then UK minister of state for defense Baroness Goldie to the Philippines, when she expressed Britain’s support for the Indo-Pacific and regional peace and security.