Marcos, Canada PM discuss enhancing trade, defense relations

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney discussed on Thursday night ways to enhance trade and defense relations between the Philippines and Canada.

“Had a very good conversation with Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada,” Marcos said in a social media post yesterday following his 20-minute phone call with the Canadian leader.

“We discussed how our two nations can further strengthen and deepen cooperation in trade, defense and maintaining peace in our region,” the President said.

“We look forward to building on this partnership for the benefit of our peoples,” he said.

Marcos also thanked Carney for the Canadian government’s swift assistance to Filipino victims in the fatal incident during the Lapu-Lapu Block Party in
 Vancouver last April, where 11 people were killed and several injured, when an SUV rammed into the festival crowd.

“I also conveyed our gratitude for Canada’s swift assistance to the Filipino community in Vancouver following the tragic incident at the Lapu-Lapu Day Festival,” Marcos said.

In a separate statement released on Thursday, Carney’s office said the leaders discussed the close economic and cultural ties between the two countries.

“Prime Minister Carney emphasized opportunities to deepen Canada’s relationship with the Philippines in investment and commerce, including by advancing free trade,” the Prime Minister’s office said.

The two leaders agreed on the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific, and of the efforts of both Canada and the Philippines to uphold the rules-based international order and security in the region.

“They reflected on the Lapu-Lapu Day tragedy in Vancouver earlier this year and expressed their deep condolences to all those affected,” Carney’s office said.

Carney also invited Marcos to visit Canada.

“The leaders will remain in close contact,” Carney’s office said.

The Philippines and Canada are currently in talks for a free trade agreement (FTA). This initiative is being pursued alongside ongoing negotiations for an Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Canada FTA.

In 2023, bilateral merchandise trade between the Philippines and Canada totaled $3.4 billion. Philippine exports to Canada reached $2.2 billion.