Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. have pledged to strengthen trade, energy, and security ties between their countries. This move is part of Canada’s effort to diversify its economy beyond the United States and deepen its engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.
Economic Cooperation
Carney and Marcos agreed to pursue a Canada-Philippines free trade agreement, which aims to increase economic cooperation and benefit both nations. The two leaders also discussed the importance of energy security and critical minerals, highlighting the potential for a strategic partnership in these areas.
Canada is currently negotiating a trade deal with the Philippines and a broader bloc of southeast Asian nations. Carney hopes to conclude these talks ahead of his visit to Manila in November, when Marcos will be chairing the summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
