Statement: Canada, Philippines conclude negotiations on Status of Visiting Forces Agreement

March 8, 2025 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

On Friday, March 7, 2025, Canada’s Department of National Defence and the Philippines’ Department of National Defense announced the conclusion of negotiations for a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA).

This significant achievement reflects the unwavering commitment of both parties to strengthen bilateral relations. It stands as a strong testament to the trust and confidence in our partnership and its future growth. Canada is deeply appreciative of the Philippines’ support and spirit of collaboration to negotiate this important Agreement.

The SOVFA will reinforce the Defence Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding signed in January 2024.

Canada’s Minister of National Defence remarked that the “successful conclusion of this agreement is a significant milestone for the overall bilateral relationship between the Philippines and Canada, which celebrated 75 years of diplomatic ties in 2024.”

This Agreement will launch a new chapter in the Philippines-Canadian bilateral defence relationship – one that sees us working much more closely as trusted partners. It will bolster defense and military ties between the two countries, enabling the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Canadian Armed Forces to operate and train together in each other’s territories.

In these turbulent times, Canada stands with friends and partners like the Philippines to uphold peace, stability and respect for international law.