Canada foreign minister visiting Philippines this week

MANILA, Philippines — Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly will visit Manila this week to advance bilateral cooperation with the Philippines, the Canadian government announced yesterday.

Global Affairs Canada said Joly would meet with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and other members of the Cabinet during her visit from May 18 to 21.

Joly and Manalo are expected to discuss regional security and stability, maintenance of a rules-based international order, Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy and partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Joly will also engage with government officials, academics, non-government organizations and civil society leaders to gain insights into the challenges facing the Philippines and the region.

“Building on the strong people to people ties between the two countries, she will seek ways to enhance cooperation under Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy to confront malign influence, combat climate change, protect maritime environments and build more resilient, inclusive and prosperous societies,” Global Affairs Canada said in a statement.

According to the 2021 census, there are 960,000 people of Philippine origin living in Canada.

The Philippines is one of the fastest growing economies in the Indo-Pacific region, creating commercial, development and climate finance opportunities for Canada.

In 2022, bilateral trade between Canada and the Philippines totaled $3.1 billion.

Joly will also visit Seoul, South Korea from May 15 to 17.