PH, Canadian Foreign Ministers meet to advance bilateral relations

Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo welcomed Canada's Foreign Minister Melanie Joly to the Philippines on Friday as they discussed advancing the countries' ties.

Manalo said he sees an opportunity for more strategic, dynamic, and mutually beneficial collaborations in PH-Canada ties, including areas in trade, investment, education, and defense.

Manalo and Joly agree that the meeting represents “a positive shift towards stronger bilateral ties between the two nations.” It also sets the tone for the 75th anniversary of Philippines-Canada bilateral relations next year, potentially leading to high-level visits to Canada.

The meeting marks the fourth visit by a Canadian minister during the administration of President Ferdinand "Bong" Marcos Jr., highlighting the shared values between the two countries, including democracy and adherence to a rules-based international order. —VAL, GMA Integrated News