Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 12) — The Philippines and Canada will celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations this year to be highlighted by the possible visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to Ottawa.

The Canadian government said they are arranging with their Philippine counterparts the possible trip of Marcos to the North American country.

“We hope to, you know, by the autumn when we have the President visit Canada, to be in a position to announce other projects and initiatives this year,” said Canadian Ambassador David Hartman in a roundtable discussion with reporters.

The Canadian envoy said no date has been set yet for the visit.

“But we are currently negotiating those dates between the Palace and the Department of Foreign Affairs, that the greater likelihood is that it will be in the latter part of the year,” the envoy disclosed.

“The President already has existing commitments in the western hemisphere and so the likelihood is that he will be in the neighborhood,” Hartman added. “So, we’re more or less looking at that time frame.”

Canadian Minister of International Development Ahmed Hussen said the visit will be significant for both countries.

He added that Ottawa views Manila as an important partner in the Indo-Pacific region.

“Prime Minister Trudeau has invited President Marcos to come and visit Canada and we’re very excited about about that, as I said, 2024 being such a special year, so the two countries are working on the technicalities of the visit, but we’re very, very excited,” said Hussen.