Canadian FM Joly to tackle regional stability, rules-based international order in Manila visit

Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly will be in Manila this week for a three-day visit aimed at promoting regional stability, rules-based international order and to discuss Canada's new Indo-Pacific strategy with Philippine officials.

Joly will meet with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., counterpart Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, and other members of the Cabinet to discuss regional security and stability, maintenance of a rules-based international order amid increasing tensions in the disputed South China Sea and Taiwan Straits.

She will also tackle Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy and its partnership with the Association of South East Asian Nations un the meetings.

“The Indo-Pacific is the global centre of economic dynamism and is of strategic importance to our security. What brings our countries together is our unwavering commitment to democracy, prosperity, and a free, open and sustainable Indo-Pacific, rooted in the rule of law," Joly said in a statement.

Canada, she said, aims to "deepen relationships in the region with key partners," including Philippines and Korea, which she will be visiting before her Manila trip.

Joly is the fourth minister to visit the Philippines under Marcos Jr.

She was preceded by Minister of Trade Mary Ng, Minister of Agriculture Marie-Claude Bibeau, and Minister of Development Harjit Sajjan, complementing and reinforcing two bilateral meetings between Marcos and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last year.

While in Manila, Joly will also engage with academics, non-governmental organizations, and civil society leaders to gain insights into the challenges facing the Philippines and the region.

As Canada intends to build on strong people to people ties with Manila, Joly said she will "seek ways to enhance cooperation under Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy to confront malign influence, combat climate change, protect maritime environments, and build more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous societies."

Considered as one of the fastest growing economies in the Indo-Pacific region, the Philippines creates commercial, development, and climate finance opportunities for Canada, the Canadian government said.

In 2022, Canada-Philippines bilateral merchandise trade totalled CAD$3.1 billion  with merchandise exports to the Philippines valued at CAD$1.1 billion (CAD$1.3B in 2021), while imports from the Philippines amounted to CAD$1.94 billion (CAD$1.4B in 2021).

Canada is also home to at least 960,000 people of Philippine origin, while a growing number of Philippine citizens visit family and friends in Canada, study at Canadian colleges and universities or emigrate to Canada.—AOL, GMA Integrated News