PH, Canada agree on deal for visiting forces
The Philippines and Canada have concluded negotiations for a visiting forces deal that would allow troops of both countries to conduct exercises on each other’s soil, the Department of National Defense (DND) said on Friday.
Manila and Ottawa finished the final negotiating round this month for the proposed Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (Sovfa) after a series of talks and consultations “to ensure that the agreement aligns with both nations’ mutual interests and priorities,” the DND said in a statement.
“This 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,” the DND added.
Strengthening partnerships
The DND stressed this development showed the Philippines’ commitment to strengthen international partnerships and promote regional security, “ensuring security and economic prosperity of both countries.”
No other details of the deals were provided.
The final round of negotiations for the Sovfa between Manila and Ottawa came less than a month after the Philippines and New Zealand also concluded talks for a visiting forces deal.
The signing of the Sovfa could happen soon but the DND did not give any specific date.
Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines David Hartman said in February the signing of the deal could be expected before the end of this year.
“The Philippines looks forward to the positive impact of the Sovfa, which is expected to contribute to peace, stability and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region,” the DND said.
The DND assured the public it would remain committed to working closely with international allies to safeguard national interests and strengthen security efforts in the region.
In February, Canada joined the Philippines and the United States in a multilateral maritime patrol in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), in the face of growing regional tensions over Beijing’s expansive claims in the South China Sea.
In August last year, Canada, which had rejected Beijing’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea, also joined the Philippines, United States and Australia in air and sea exercises in the WPS.
The Philippines has a Sovfa with Australia, a Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States, and a Reciprocal Access Agreement with Japan.
