The Philippines and Canada are set to formalize their security cooperation this Sunday with the signing of a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SoVFA), the Department of National Defense (DND) announced Friday.

In a statement, the DND described the agreement as a reflection of the Philippines’ expanding defense partnerships with like-minded nations, aligning with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call to strengthen international ties for regional peace and stability.

“The high-level defense engagement underscores the Philippines’ commitment to expand the country’s security partnerships,” the DND said.

The SoVFA will be signed by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Canadian Minister of National Defence David McGuinty. Before the signing, the two officials will hold a bilateral meeting in Makati City.

Formal negotiations for the agreement concluded in March this year after beginning on 16 January.

The DND said the SOVFA will provide a framework for enhanced cooperation, allowing closer collaboration between the defense and military establishments of both countries.

It is expected to improve interoperability between their forces and facilitate more effective joint exercises and capacity-building activities.

The Philippines already has similar agreements with the United States, Australia, Japan and New Zealand. Discussions with France are also currently ongoing.

The signing with Canada marks another step in Manila’s efforts to strengthen its defense relationships amid a complex regional security environment.