Manila: The Philippines and Canada are on track to finalize a visiting forces agreement by 2025, as announced by the Canadian Embassy in Manila. The embassy conveyed in a recent statement that the final steps are being taken to complete a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SoVFA) between the two nations, with ratification anticipated before the end of 2025.

According to Philippines News Agency, this forthcoming agreement is a testament to the strengthening defense relations between the Philippines and Canada. Over the last year, both countries have seen an increase in defense engagements and training opportunities, fueled by the Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation signed in January 2024.

In addition to the Philippine-Canada SoVFA, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has indicated that the Philippines is also pursuing similar agreements with New Zealand, France, and potentially other European nations, though he did not specify which countries. “Hopefully, we want the phase of negotiations with Canada to go faster, and also France. We need interoperability, and the Philippines’ armed forces need to train with other armed forces because the dimensions of conflict are changing,” Teodoro stated during a reception in Makati in early February.

Canadian Ambassador to Manila, David Hartman, emphasized Canada’s potential role as a steadfast partner for the Philippines in areas such as counterterrorism and territorial defense.