PH committed to working with Canada on peace, security — envoy

The Philippines has affirmed its commitment to work with Canada in ensuring regional peace and security, Manila's new top diplomat to Ottawa said Tuesday, as both sides prepare for the signing of a key defense pact that will allow troops from both sides to train together in each other's territories.

Philippine Ambassador to Canada Jose Victor Gonzaga said he relayed this message to Canada's Governor General Mary Simon during his presentation of credentials last September 15, along with diplomats from Indonesia, Costa Rica, and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.

"I underscored my firm commitment to build upon the strong foundations of what we have jointly achieved in the last few years in order to achieve a common future of peace, security, and mutual prosperity," Gonzaga said in a statement from Ottawa.

Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and other Western nations have been stepping up its defense engagements and expanding trade and investments in the Indo-Pacific to promote the "rule of law" and to ensure unfettered access to the South China Sea, a global trade route.

The Philippines under President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has sought to expand its alliances and upgrade its defense capabilities as it confronts an increasingly aggressive China in the resource-rich waters, which has flared in recent years. The years-long disputes also involve Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.

Philippine defense officials have said the Visiting Forces Agreement with Canada is ready for signing after both sides concluded negotiations for the accord last March. Once signed, it will be Manila's fifth agreement of such kind after the United States, Australia, Japan and New Zealand.

During the ceremony, Simon called on the new ambassadors to Canada, including Gonzaga, "to promote cooperation, equality and peace."

Gonzaga said he also discussed with Simon the positive state of Philippines-Canada bilateral relations and their robust people-to-people ties as he vowed to bolster economic, trade and security cooperation between the two sides.

"I also shared with the Governor General, being the first indigenous person to hold the office, the Philippine experience with regard to recognizing, protecting and promoting the rights of indigenous peoples in the Philippines," he said. — VDV, GMA Integrated News