MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will seek to deepen the Philippines’ defense partnership with Canada while pursuing fresh investments in artificial intelligence, critical minerals, information technology, and other high-growth industries during his official visit to Canada from July 1 to 4.
Marcos’ visit, at the invitation of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, is expected to reinforce the two countries’ strategic partnership through expanded cooperation in defense, security, trade, investment, energy, and economic resilience, according to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).
The President and Carney are scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting to assess the progress of existing defense and security cooperation while identifying new opportunities to strengthen economic and diplomatic relations.
The two leaders are also expected to discuss regional issues, including the Philippines’ role as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this year and the bloc’s strategic priorities. Canada has been an ASEAN dialogue partner since 1977 and a strategic partner since 2023.
As part of his official engagements, Marcos will meet Canadian business executives and investors to promote the Philippines as a preferred investment destination, particularly in information technology, business process management, artificial intelligence, critical infrastructure, critical minerals, and other emerging industries.
“The President will lead engagements with Canadian business leaders and investors in sectors critical to the Philippines’ economic agenda, including information technology, business process management, artificial intelligence (AI) and critical infrastructure, critical minerals, and other high-growth industries,” the PCO said.
Marcos will likewise meet members of the Filipino community in Vancouver, British Columbia, recognizing their contributions to both the Philippine and Canadian economies and their role in strengthening bilateral relations.
The President will be accompanied by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.
The visit will be the first official trip by a Philippine president to Canada in more than a decade, following the 2015 visit of former president Benigno Aquino III.
The Philippines and Canada celebrated the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2024, underscoring decades of cooperation in promoting peace and security in the Indo-Pacific, expanding economic ties, and fostering stronger people-to-people relations./PN
