DFA Secretary Manalo Reaffirms Ties with Canada Visit
The Philippine delegation to Canada led by Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo (2nd from right), with officials (from left to right) Third Secretary and Vice Consul Leo Marco Vidal, Deputy Head of Mission Myca Magnolia M. Fischer, Philippine Ambassador to Canada Maria Andrelita S. Austria, and Department of Foreign Affairs - Office of American Affairs Assistant Secretary Jose Victor V. Chan-Gonzaga at the West Block, Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada. (Photo courtesy of Global Affairs Canada)
OTTAWA 13 May 2024 – Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo reaffirmed ties with Canada in a week-long visit to the country from 6 to 10 May 2024. Secretary Manalo held high-level meetings with Canadian Federal Ministers covering Immigration, Trade, International Development, and Foreign Affairs in Canada’s capital, Ottawa, highlighting the core of the 75-year long Philippine-Canada relations.
Secretary Manalo met with International Trade Minister Mary Ng to deepen economic ties. “There is a need to explore untapped economic opportunities in each other’s markets,” Manalo said as both ministers eagerly anticipate the upcoming Team Canada Trade Mission scheduled for December 2024.
As people-to-people exchanges is one of the central themes underpinning our relations, SFA Manalo also met with Immigration Minister Marc Miller. Secretary Manalo conveyed the Philippine government’s hope for Filipino professionals to be able to practice their professions in Canada and for stronger protection of temporary foreign workers and international students in the country.
Recognizing education as an engine of growth and the impact of climate change as an impediment, the Secretary met with Minister of International Development Ahmed Hussen to include these matters at the center of development planning and discussions. The Secretary also recognized Canada’s technological advances and high-level of production in the field of agriculture, and conveyed that the Philippines looks forward to working with Canada on food security and in ensuring adequate nutrition for all.
Secretary Manalo culminated his meetings in Ottawa on 8 May 2024 at a working dinner with Canada’s Foreign Minister Melanie Joly, during which the Ministers reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to elevate Philippines-Canada relations to a higher level, one that is robust, forward-looking, and mutually-beneficial.
During his visit to Canada, the Secretary also visited Vancouver to deliver the Foreign Policy Address on the Indo-Pacific Region at an event organized by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, and met with the members of the Canada-Philippines Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group at a reception hosted by Philippine Ambassador to Canada Maria Andrelita S. Austria. In Toronto, the Secretary met with Ontario Premier Doug Ford to discuss ways to promote the welfare and interests of the Filipino Diaspora. He also visited Little Manila with Minister for Small Business Rechie Valdez and Member of Parliament for Eglinton-Lawrence Marco Mendicino, and held discussions with York University officials to further strengthen Academic Linkages between York University and the Philippines.
This is the first visit of a Philippine Secretary for Foreign Affairs to Canada since 2012. The Philippines and Canada are celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations this year. END
Secretary Manalo tours Little Manila, Toronto, with Minister of Small Business Rechie Valdez (left photo) and Member of Parliament for Eglinton-Lawrence Marco Mendicino (right photo)