Philippines, Canada Reaffirm Strengthening of Defense and Security Ties

Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro received Canadian Armed Forces Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. M.A.J. Carignan at the DFA office during the General’s visit to Manila on 2 April 2025 (Photo by DFA-OPD)

MANILA 14 April 2025 — Canadian Armed Forces Chief of the Defence Staff General Marie Annabelle Jennie Carignan, CMM, MSC, MSM, CD paid a courtesy call on Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro during the former’s visit to Manila on 2 April 2025 to reaffirm the strengthening of Philippines-Canada defense and security ties which, since the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation between the Philippines and Canada on 19 January 2024, has expanded both in breadth and depth across all areas of defense, especially in maritime security, cybersecurity, and capacity building.

Gen. Carignan’s visit to Manila aimed to better understand the context and needs of the Philippines in the realm of security and defense, as Canada further operationalizes their Indo-Pacific Strategy. The meeting included discussions on topics related to defense and security, the Philippines’ active role in the Indo-Pacific region, efforts – both joint and individual – in maintaining and promoting a rules-based international order, the similarities of the Philippines and Canada’s political and security landscape, and potential collaboration and joint projects, including capacity-building, knowledge sharing, and increasing interoperability between the national forces.

Joining Gen. Carignan’s meeting with the Undersecretary were Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. David Bruce Hartman, Canadian Defense Attaché to the Philippines Lt. Col. Jason King, and representatives of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Defense Attaché’s Office in Manila. Gen. Carignan’s delegation also held meetings with the Department of National Defense (DND), the National Intelligence Coordination Agency (NICA), and the National Maritime Council (NMC). Undersecretary Lazaro was accompanied by officials from the Office of the Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and Asean Affairs, and officials from the Office of American Affairs led by Assistant Secretary Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga.

The fruitful discussion highlights both countries’ commitment to deepen defense and security cooperation, and also reflects the intention of both countries to enhance their partnership and cooperation through tangible programs and projects that will not only improve national security, but also reinforce the more than seventy-five (75) years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Canada. END

CAF Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Carignan shares her insights on the broad range of collaborative activities that can be conducted between the Philippines and Canada in the areas of defense and security (Photo by DFA-OPD)