President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s forthcoming visit to Canada, his first since taking office four years ago, is about more than just diplomacy. It aims to leverage Canada’s strengths to help address the challenges the Philippines faces.

Scheduled for 1-4 July, the visit is expected to strengthen Philippines-Canada relations and provide significant benefits across various sectors.

Amid the shifts in global economic dynamics, Canada is taking center stage in revitalizing its debts and investments. The Philippines could benefit from this and attract more foreign direct investment (FDI), as Canadian investors may be inclined to explore partnerships and projects.

The two countries can explore strategies to enhance economic resilience. The emphasis on critical minerals is particularly noteworthy, as the world has increasingly turned to sustainable energy solutions and demand for raw materials — such as lithium and cobalt — has surged.

Like the Philippines, Canada has abundant resources. Facilitating the exchange of these critical minerals can boost the Philippines’ position in the global supply chain, all while supporting its own push for sustainable development.

I’m sure there will be talks about reinforcing a security partnership amid the geopolitical uncertainties. Assessing existing frameworks and identifying new avenues for security collaboration could benefit both nations for a more secure and stable regional environment.

This is not just about military cooperation; it’s also about sharing intelligence and best practices in areas such as disaster response — something particularly relevant to the Philippines which is frequently impacted by natural disasters.

On the other hand, the planned discussions surrounding the Philippines’ chairmanship of ASEAN this year, along with its strong ties with Canada, can help amplify the Philippines’ footing in regional strategic dialogues.

Engagement with the Filipino community in Vancouver is also a critical aspect. Acknowledging the contributions of overseas Filipinos is fundamental to strengthening the socio-cultural fabric between the two countries.

Filipinos working abroad play a vital economic role. Aside from sending remittances that provide growth back home, they also serve as cultural ambassadors, bridging the gaps between nations. By recognizing this community, President Marcos can further promote people-to-people linkages, enhancing mutual understanding and respect.

We expect both leaders to turn their discussions into concrete actions and initiatives. It is not merely about dialogue; it is about creating tangible outcomes that can positively impact both countries.

As history shows, the last visit by a Philippine president to Canada was 11 years ago, and the world has changed dramatically since then. President Marcos should seize the moment and ensure that this visit revitalizes and strengthens this partnership for years to come.

The visit to Canada promises to be a milestone, with the potential to yield profound benefits for the Philippines in economic growth, security arrangements and cultural exchange.

By nurturing a partnership built on mutual respect and shared interests, the Philippines and Canada can create a much more aligned framework for cooperation that could benefit both nations and their peoples.

For what are friends for if they cannot support each other in times of need.