Philippines reaffirms ties with Canada

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A. Manalo reaffirmed ties with Canada on a week-long visit to the country, May 6-10, 2024. Secretary Manalo held high-level meetings with the Canadian federal ministers of Immigration, Trade, International Development and Foreign Affairs in Canada’s capital, Ottawa, highlighting the core of relations between the Philippines and Canada, which have spanned 75 years.

Secretary Manalo met with International Trade Minister Mary Ng to deepen economic ties. “There is a need to explore untapped economic opportunities in each other’s markets,” Manalo declared, as both ministers look forward to Team Canada’s next trade mission, scheduled for December 2024.

Since people-to-people exchanges are one of the central themes that underpin our relations, SFA Manalo also met with the Minister of Immigration, Marc Miller. Secretary Manalo conveyed the Philippine government’s hope that Filipino professionals will be able to practice their professions in Canada and that the protection of temporary foreign workers and international students in the country will be strengthened.

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Recognizing education as a driver of growth and the impact of climate change as an impediment, the Secretary met with the Minister of International Development, Ahmed Hussen, to put these issues at the center of development planning and discussions.
The Secretary also acknowledged Canada’s technological advancements and high level of production in the field of agriculture, conveying that the Philippines looks forward to working with Canada on food security and to ensure adequate nutrition for all.

Secretary Manalo culminated his meetings in Ottawa on May 8, 2024 at a working dinner with Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly, during which the Ministers reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to elevating Philippine-Canada relations at a higher level that is robust, forward-thinking and mutually beneficial.

The Philippines looks forward to working with Canada on food security and to ensure adequate nutrition for all

During his visit to Canada, the Secretary also visited Vancouver to deliver the Foreign Policy Address on the Indo-Pacific Region at an event organized by the Asia-Pacific Foundation of Canada, and met with members of the Canada-Interparliamentary Friendship Group. Philippines at a reception hosted by the Philippine Ambassador to Canada, Maria Andrelita S. Austria. In Toronto, the Secretary met with Ontario Premier Doug Ford to discuss ways to promote the well-being and interests of the Filipino diaspora. He also visited Little Manila with Small Business Minister Rechie Valdez and Eglinton-Lawrence MP Marco Mendicino and held talks with York University officials to further strengthen academic ties between York University and the Philippines .

This is the first visit by a Filipino Foreign Secretary to Canada since 2012. The Philippines and Canada celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations this year.