New pact with Canada highlights expanding PH security ties
Philippine News Agency
By Priam Nepomuceno
October 31, 2025, 12:56 pm
MANILA -- The upcoming Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) with Canada reflects the Philippines' growing security ties with other like-minded nations, the Department of National Defense (DND) said Friday.
In a news release, the DND said the scheduled signing Sunday is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr's call to strengthen international ties to promote regional peace and stability.
"The high-level defense engagement underscores the Philippines' commitment to expand the country's security partnerships," the DND said.
The SOVFA will be signed by DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Canadian Minister of National Defence David McGuinty.
Prior to the signing, the two officials will hold a bilateral meeting in Makati City.
"Following the meeting, Secretary Teodoro and Minister McGuinty will sign the Philippines-Canada SOVFA, the negotiations for which concluded earlier in March this year," the DND said.
Formal negotiations for the Philippine-Canada SOVFA started on Jan. 16 and concluded on March 7.
The DND said the agreement will establish a framework for increased cooperation, fostering closer collaboration between defense and military establishments, improving interoperability between forces, and facilitating more effective joint exercises and capacity-building activities.
Aside from Canada, the Philippines has SOVFAs with the United States, Australia, Japan and New Zealand.
Talks are underway with France. (PNA)
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