MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has begun a four-day official visit to Canada from July 1 to 4, marking the first visit by a Philippine head of state to the North American country in 11 years.
The President is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Vancouver, British Columbia, where both leaders are expected to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in defense and security, trade and investment, energy, critical minerals, and artificial intelligence.
According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the visit aims to further expand the strategic partnership between the Philippines and Canada while exploring opportunities for greater economic collaboration, including discussions on a possible free trade agreement.
First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos will accompany the President and participate in engagements with members of the Filipino community in Vancouver.
The official visit comes after the Philippines and Canada celebrated the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2024. It also proceeds as scheduled despite the recent Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) rally in Metro Manila, with Malacañang maintaining that there were no changes to the President’s itinerary.
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