By Christine Fabro
The Canadian government on Thursday, May 18, called on the Philippines to support its negotiations for a free trade agreement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
In a courtesy call to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Malacañang, Canadian Foreign Minister Mèlanie Joly bared that Canada is also negotiating to become a strategic partner of ASEAN.
“Regarding trade, we are negotiating for a free trade agreement with ASEAN. So we hope that we could have the support of the Philippines. And we are negotiating also to become a strategic partner of ASEAN, recognizing the importance of ASEAN Centrality,” Joly said.
“If we could work together to achieve that, that would be very much appreciated because we are bringing a lot of diplomatic knowledge and strength,” she added.
In response, President Marcos Jr. expressed his desire for the Philippines to pursue a strategic partnership with Canada to further strengthen their bilateral ties.
“On the issue of strategic partnership, I think it is something that certainly we can pursue. I cannot at the outset see anything that should get in the way of achieving this goal,” the President told Joly.
Part of the Foreign Minister’s agenda during her visit in the country from May 18 to 21 is to deepen relations on defense and maritime cooperation. – gb
