VANCOUVER, Canada — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) concluded his four-day official visit to Canada with $2.5 billion in investment commitments from major Canadian companies.

Marcos said the meetings with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, government officials, and business leaders strengthened cooperation in security, trade, energy, technology, and investments.

"I am pleased to report on the productive meetings that we have had with Canada's top government officials and key economic players during our stay here in Vancouver, British Columbia," the President said in his post-visit statement.

Marcos said he and Carney agreed to elevate bilateral ties, describing the move as both a recognition of the longstanding relationship between the two countries and a roadmap for deeper cooperation.

"Ushering in a new chapter in our ties with Canada, Prime Minister Carney and I announced the elevation of Philippine-Canada relations to a strategic partnership," Marcos said.

"This move, while reflective of the deep and strong bilateral relations that we have developed with Canada, also catalyzes our next steps towards the new phase of our relations in ensuring the sustained and dynamic growth of our bilateral ties," he added.

Marcos said nearly one million Filipinos now live in Canada.

“I have tasked the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Maria Teresa Lazaro, to work together with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand to create a plan of action focusing on joint initiatives that will help both our countries adapt to shifting global realities, address shared challenges, and build capacities for future-ready partnerships," he said. Marcos said both countries also reaffirmed the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific region and agreed to work together on shared regional priorities.

The President thanked Canada for its continued support for the rules-based international order in the South China Sea.

"I also thank Prime Minister Carney for Canada's vocal and consistent support in upholding the rule of law in the South China Sea, particularly based on Unclos and the 2016 Arbitral Award," Marcos said.

"I convey the hope that as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Arbitral Award, Canada will continue to be one of the leading voices in upholding the award as an unassailable part of the corpus of international law," he added.

On the economic front, Marcos said discussions with Canadian companies focused on expanding cooperation in mining, critical minerals, energy, information technology and business process management (IT-BPM), and the digital economy.

The President said that conversations with IT-BPM firms also explored establishing artificial intelligence hubs and learning centers to help develop AI skills for the global workforce.

Among the companies he met were B2Gold Corporation, OceanaGold Corporation, Telus Corporation, and NQX to discuss their investment plans in the Philippines.

"All these business engagements in the sectors of mining, critical minerals, energy, services, and IT-BPM resulted in a combined $2.5 billion in investment from Canadian partners," Marcos said.

The President said the investment commitments reinforced the need to conclude a free trade agreement between the Philippines and Canada.

"Thus, it is already timely that we presently are negotiating a free trade agreement with Canada, which we hope will further strengthen our economic cooperation once it enters into force," Marcos said.

Likewise, Marcos welcomed Canada's participation in the Luzon Economic Corridor, saying Ottawa pledged an initial two million Canadian dollars to support infrastructure, supply chain, and clean energy projects.

Marcos said he and Carney also witnessed the signing of a Joint Declaration of Intent on Energy and Natural Resources Cooperation, which seeks to strengthen collaboration on energy security, sustainable economic growth, and resilient supply chains.

The President added that the two countries agreed to deepen defense and security cooperation through existing agreements, including the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement and the Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement.