President Marcos Jr. noted that the Canada-Philippines relationship is stronger than ever, and the two leaders discussed progress in different areas of bilateral co-operation, including defence, development assistance, trade, agriculture and agri-food, education, and clean technologies. They welcomed the upcoming Team Canada Trade Mission to the Philippines, planned for December, as well as progress in negotiations toward a Canada-ASEAN free trade agreement.
The leaders discussed Russia’s unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine and its global impacts. Prime Minister Trudeau invited the Philippines to participate in the Ministerial Conference on the Human Dimensions of Ukraine’s 10-Point Peace Formula, which Canada will co-host with Ukraine and Norway, in Canada, from October 30 to 31.
In the context of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, both leaders also expressed concern over increasing tensions in the South China Sea, noting their mutual commitment to regional security and international law. Each of them welcomed the strengthening of maritime co-operation through Canada’s Dark Vessel Detection Program.
Prime Minister Trudeau and President Marcos Jr. agreed to remain in close contact and looked forward to meeting again.