Marcos hails ‘natural ally’ Canada for role in Indo-Pacific security

JAKARTA, Indonesia —President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. hailed Canada, whom he tagged as ASEAN’s “natural ally,” for its role in promoting safety and security in the Indo-Pacific Region.

“We certainly welcome the initiatives under Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, such as training on smart border patrols, addressing crime and terrorism, and military-to-military capacity building, to name but a few,” Marcos said at the ASEAN-Canada Summit.

“We recognize Canada’s role in promoting maritime security and safety in the region. We welcome Canada’s continued engagement through capacity-building programs, specialized and skill-based training to counter traditional and emerging threats,” he added.

Marcos made the statement as he also welcomed “a new era in ASEAN-Canada relations” as ASEAN leaders are scheduled to adopt the Joint Leaders’ Statement on ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership.

“This is indeed timely as Canada deepens its relations with ASEAN with the launch of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy last November. To further expand mutual trade, we should continue efforts at enhancing ASEAN connectivity and supply chains,” Marcos said.

Marcos explained that the strategy seeks to promote peace, resilience, and security; expand trade, investment, and supply chain resilience; invest in and connect people; build a sustainable and green future in the Indo-Pacific region with ASEAN at its core.

“This further demonstrates: ASEAN and Canada are undoubtedly natural allies, with shared values and mutual interests across all the pillars of the ASEAN Community. It is clear that the growing and deepening strategic partnership of ASEAN and Canada will further advance peace, security, stability, resilience, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and beyond,” he said.

Before the ASEAN-Canada Summit, Marcos and Trudeau had a bilateral meeting where the Canadian prime minister invited the Philippine top leader to their country in 2024.

Both leaders talked about the Filipino-Canadian diaspora and what Trudeau tagged as “incredible ties” of the two countries.—LDF, GMA Integrated News