The Philippines and Canada have officially signed the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA), a landmark pact that reinforces their defense cooperation and celebrates 75 years of diplomatic partnership.
“Today is a great day for both of our nations. It’s a day that we declare our commitment to deepening our defence cooperation… a partnership that stretches back 75 years,” Canadian Defense Minister David McGuinty said during a joint press briefing in Makati City on Sunday.
McGuinty described the agreement as a reflection of a “deeper truth, that peace is built on rules, not recklessness, and that stability grows from cooperation, not confrontation.”
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. called the SOVFA “a projection of trust and confidence,” saying it will enable both countries’ armed forces to work more closely in preserving peace, deterring instability, and ensuring a secure future.
He added that the accord is the product of extensive coordination among Philippine and Canadian defense and foreign affairs officials, following discussions between President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Prime Minister Mark Carney.
“Our staff worked double time to finish this agreement in record time,” Teodoro said, noting that it will help both countries respond to modern challenges such as cybersecurity, disaster response, and economic resilience.
McGuinty highlighted the long-standing defense ties between the two nations, recalling that Filipino and Canadian troops fought side by side during the Korean War. He noted that Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, launched in 2022, has strengthened its regional presence and deepened military cooperation with allies like the Philippines.
“The spirit of solidarity continues today,” McGuinty said, praising Manila’s “true leadership in upholding international law and seeking peaceful resolution of disputes.”
The Philippines currently has similar agreements with the United States, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand, with talks ongoing for one with France.
Negotiations for the Philippine-Canada SOVFA began on January 16 and concluded on March 7, signaling both nations’ shared vision of a rules-based international order built on mutual respect and cooperation.