SENATE President Sherwin Gatchalian and Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand underscored the stronger ties between the Philippines and Canada following the two countries’ adoption of a strategic partnership.
Gatchalian met with Anan on the sidelines of the 59th Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila on Friday.
Also at the meeting were Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, and Senators JV Ejercito, Joel Villanueva and Erwin Tulfo.
The discussions highlighted expanding bilateral cooperation between the two countries, particularly in strengthening parliamentary relations, economic engagement and people-to-people contacts.
Gatchalian described the strategic partnership as a significant milestone that reflects the mutual trust, shared values and enduring friendship between the Philippines and Canada.
“This important milestone reflects the unwavering trust and mutual respect between our two nations, as well as the shared values and ties that bind us together,” he said.
He said nearly 1 million Filipinos residing and working in Canada remain a cornerstone of bilateral relations. He thanked the Canadian parliament’s continued efforts to deepen inter-parliamentary dialogue through regular visits to the Philippines.
Gatchalian said he hopes sustained legislative engagements would further strengthen existing areas of cooperation and open new avenues for collaboration.
Anand said Filipinos have made significant contributions to Canada’s economic, social and cultural development.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney raised Philippine-Canadian relations to a Strategic Partnership during the president’s visit to Canada July 1 to 4.
The agreement seeks to deepen cooperation in trade and investment, defense and maritime security, energy, critical minerals, tourism and people-to-people exchanges. Both countries are also working toward concluding negotiations for a Canada-Philippines Free Trade Agreement and supporting the proposed Asean-Canada Free Trade Agreement.
Canada considers the Philippines as one of its key partners in the Indo-Pacific region. While in Manila for the Asean meetings, Anand reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships in Southeast Asia and advancing cooperation under the Asean-Canada Strategic Partnership’s 2026-2030 Plan of Action.
The Philippines is hosting the 59th Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and related meetings from July 21 to 24 as Asean chairman for 2026.
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