Canada-Philippines
Canada, Philippines sign defence agreements to deepen military cooperation in Indo-Pacific
Ottawa: Canada and the Philippines signed two defence agreements on Thursday to expand military cooperation, improve interoperability and strengthen security ties amid growing strategic challenges in the Indo-Pacific.
Canadian Defence Minister David McGuinty and Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro formalised a Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement and a Statement of Intent on Strengthening Defence Cooperation during talks in Ottawa.
The logistics agreement will facilitate the exchange of support services during joint exercises, training activities, deployments and operations, with the aim of improving interoperability and operational readiness between the Canadian Armed Forces and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The Statement of Intent builds on a defence cooperation agreement signed in 2024 and a visiting forces pact concluded in 2025.
It outlines plans to expand bilateral cooperation and guide the next phase of defence engagement between the two countries.
During their meeting, the ministers discussed opportunities to increase collaboration in maritime security, joint military exercises and defence industry cooperation.
They also exchanged views on the evolving security environment in the Indo-Pacific and reaffirmed support for the rule of law in the region.
"These initiatives will strengthen interoperability between our armed forces, facilitate greater collaboration, and reinforce our shared commitment to a secure, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region," McGuinty said in a statement.
The announcement comes as Canada seeks to deepen its security engagement in the Indo-Pacific through its regional strategy and military deployments, while the Philippines strengthens defence partnerships with allies and partners amid continuing tensions in the South China Sea.
Photo: Department of National Defense - Philippines/X
Canada reiterated its support for a "free and open Indo-Pacific" ahead of the 10th anniversary of the 2016 international arbitral ruling that rejected many of China's claims in the South China Sea.
Military cooperation between Canada and the Philippines has expanded in recent years through joint exercises and training programmes. In May, Canadian forces completed their first active participation in Exercise Balikatan, the Philippines' annual military exercise.
The Philippines has also participated in Canada's Military Training and Cooperation Program since 1998, with more than 400 Philippine military and defence personnel trained under the initiative.
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