PHI-Canada relations reaches high point

THE diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Canada recently reached a high point as Manila is now positioned as a “priority partner” in Ottawa's newly unveiled strategy that would safeguard both national security and economic prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.

- By Rizat Raout Reves X@brownindio

In a recent high-level strategic dialogue, defense and trade officials from both the Philippines and Canada detailed a “generational opportunity” to align Ottawa's industrial capacity with Philippine national security especially amid the global uncertainties caused by the Middle East conflict.

Canada's department of national defense policy officer Sara Schlemm said the country was moving toward a “build-partner-buy” framework led by the newly launched Defense Investment Agency (DIA).

Schlemm said the framework puts importance on domestic production alongside partnerships with trusted allies like the Philippines to reduce its vulnerabilities to international pressures.

“We see Canada’s defense industry as playing a powerful dual role in securing our nation while also acting as a very powerful catalyst for economic growth and jobs,” Schlemm said. “Crucially, we know that we cannot achieve these ends alone...the Philippines is one of Canada’s most important defense partners in the Indo-Pacific.”

“Where Canada lacks the capability to build domestically or where there is advantage to working jointly with partners, it will pursue partnerships with trusted partners and multinational firms to deliver the capabilities needed by the Canadian Armed Forces,” she added.