(Photo courtesy of PCO)
MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Saturday, November 14, on the sidelines of the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Manila, as the two countries moved to strengthen their bilateral and economic relations.
The meeting coincided with the announcement that the Philippines and Canada had concluded negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA), paving the way for closer trade and investment cooperation.
Both governments are targeting the formal signing of the agreement in 2027, with the remaining procedures expected to be completed before the pact can take effect.
The proposed agreement is intended to expand market access, facilitate trade, and create new opportunities for businesses and investors in both countries.
Photos released by the Philippine government showed Marcos and Carney participating in bilateral discussions with their respective delegations. The leaders were also photographed during a ceremonial presentation of documents bearing the Philippine and Canadian flags.
The meeting formed part of the Philippines’ diplomatic engagements during the ASEAN Summit, which brought together regional leaders and dialogue partners to discuss economic cooperation, security, and other regional priorities.
Canada remains an important dialogue partner of ASEAN, with cooperation covering trade, investment, regional security, and sustainable development.
The conclusion of FTA negotiations marks a step toward deepening Philippine-Canadian economic ties, although the agreement must still undergo formal signing and the necessary procedures before implementation.
