President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney signed four agreements to expand cooperation in energy and natural resources, labor and migration, tourism, and culture, while agreeing to elevate bilateral relations to a strategic partnership during Marcos’ official visit to Canada.
In a joint statement, the two leaders announced the signing of a Joint Declaration of Intent on Energy and Natural Resources Cooperation, aimed at strengthening supply chains for critical minerals.
Carney noted that Canada is among the world’s top five producers of critical minerals, while the Philippines is one of the largest exporters of nickel, making both countries key partners in meeting growing global demand.
“We share your objective to increase not just the production but the processing of these essential materials,” Carney said.
The two governments also signed a Joint Declaration of Intent on Labor and Migration to enhance protection for Filipino workers in Canada and strengthen cooperation on labor mobility.
“Filipino workers make extraordinary contributions to communities across the world and across Canada. When they’re here, we will ensure they are treated fairly, can work safely, and have their rights protected,” Carney said.
To promote closer people-to-people ties, the Philippines and Canada also signed separate memorandums of understanding on tourism and cultural cooperation.
“The relations between Canada and the Philippines don’t only depend on trade, but also on the people who live there,” Carney added.
Marcos said both countries have agreed to elevate their relationship to a strategic partnership, with their foreign ministers tasked to develop an action plan for deeper cooperation.
“We have tasked our foreign ministers to draw up a plan of action to pursue our shared commitment to work together in adapting to shifting global realities, addressing shared challenges, and building capacities for future-ready partnerships,” Marcos said.
The two leaders also expressed their commitment to conclude negotiations for the Canada-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement in 2026.
Carney said the agreement is expected to reduce or eliminate tariffs and expand trade opportunities between Canada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
On defense and security, both countries announced plans to strengthen cooperation in maritime security and multinational military operations.
Carney also said Canada intends to ratify the planned Visiting Forces Agreement with the Philippines, which would allow both countries’ armed forces to conduct more joint military exercises and operate more closely in support of regional security.
