President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney held a phone conversation on Thursday, discussing a range of issues including trade, defense cooperation, and the recent car-ramming attack in Vancouver that claimed the lives of several Filipinos in late April.

Marcos noted they explored ways to strengthen ties between the Philippines and Canada.

"Had a very good conversation with Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada. We discussed how our two nations can further strengthen and deepen cooperation in trade, defense, and maintaining peace in our region," the President said in a social media post.

"I also conveyed our gratitude for Canada’s swift assistance to the Filipino community in Vancouver following the tragic incident at the Lapu-Lapu Day Festival," he added.

Carney’s office confirmed the conversation and said the leaders “reflected on the Lapu-Lapu Day tragedy in Vancouver earlier this year and expressed their deep condolences to all those affected.”

The April 26 attack occurred during a cultural event in Vancouver’s Sunset neighborhood celebrating Lapu-Lapu, the Filipino hero known for defeating Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1521.

An SUV driven by the suspect, identified as Kai-Ji Adam Lo, plowed into the crowd, killing eight people, including children and elderly attendees. Lo has since been charged with multiple counts of second-degree murder.

Beyond the tragedy, Marcos and Carney also discussed enhancing cultural and economic ties.

Both leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining a “free and open Indo-Pacific” and reaffirmed their commitment to upholding a rules-based international order in the region, according to the Canadian prime minister’s office.

Carney also extended a formal invitation for President Marcos to visit Canada, with both sides agreeing to maintain close contact moving forward.