Marcos to visit Canada for talks on trade, security

Metro Manila, Philippines –  President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will travel to Canada from July 1 to 4 for an official visit aimed at expanding economic and security cooperation, with both sides expected to push for the conclusion of free trade agreements and deepen collaboration in defense, energy and critical minerals.

The visit, made at the invitation of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, will be the first by a Philippine president to Canada in 11 years and comes as the country chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

In a statement, the Presidential Communications Office said Marcos and Carney will hold bilateral talks on strengthening defense and security cooperation, expanding trade and investment, enhancing collaboration in energy and critical minerals, and reinforcing people-to-people ties. The two leaders are also expected to discuss the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship and regional priorities.

In a separate statement, Carney’s office said the leaders will seek to accelerate negotiations for a Canada-Philippines Free Trade Agreement and a Canada-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement, both targeted for completion this year.

The discussions will also cover maritime security and defense, tourism and culture, food security, and investment.

“The relationship between Canada and the Philippines is strengthened by the deep ties between our citizens,” Carney said.

“With the Filipino Canadian diaspora nearly one million strong, Canada and the Philippines are building up our partnership so it’s stronger and more expansive, and so it reflects the depth of our values. I look forward to hosting President Marcos Jr. as we bring our countries ever closer,” he said.

The PCO said Marcos will also meet with Canadian business leaders and investors to promote investment opportunities in the Philippines, particularly in information technology, business process management, artificial intelligence, critical infrastructure, critical minerals and other high-growth industries.

First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos will join the president during engagements with the Filipino community in Vancouver in recognition of the contributions of overseas Filipinos to both countries.

Canada noted that bilateral merchandise trade reached C$3.4 billion in 2025 (roughly ₱146.7 billion, making the Philippines its sixth-largest export market in ASEAN. Canadian direct investment in the Philippines also grew by more than 40% over the past year.

The visit follows several milestones in bilateral relations, including the signing earlier this month of a Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement and a Statement of Intent on Strengthening Defence Cooperation during the visit of Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro to Ottawa.