PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday recognized Canada’s unwavering support for ASEAN Centrality amid evolving regional landscape, demonstrating its commitment to peace, security, and prosperity as well as to the regional bloc’s integration and community-building process.
In his statement during the ASEAN-Canada Special Summit on Enhancing ASEAN Connectivity and Resilience in Lao PDR, President Marcos acknowledged the importance of connection and resiliency in ASEAN-Canada collaboration, particularly in sectors like trade, security, education, health, among others.
“We recognize the importance of connecting and integrating our economies and we believe that the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement currently being negotiated would present opportunities for both sides. We thus urge Canada to continue to work with us. I am certain that since all Member States are desirous of this agreement, we will find consensus on all remaining issues,” the President said.
President Marcos also thanked Canada for its steadfast support to the ASEAN Member States, particularly in the field of health security.
As Canada remains ASEAN Students’ preferred destination for education, the President is also looking forward to programs “aimed at advancing digital skills, healthcare, science, and technology.”
“We welcome the Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) initiative, which has provided 616 scholarships for students from ASEAN Member States to study and conduct research in Canada since it started in September of 2018,” he said.
Canada is also one of the top leading destinations for migrant professionals from the Philippines and ASEAN, the President noted as he welcomed the country’s continued support for ASEAN’s efforts in strengthening policies to protect migrant workers and their families.
This is through the Tripartite Action for the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers in the ASEAN Region (TRIANGLE in ASEAN) Programme, including the annual conduct of the ASEAN Forum on Migrant Labour (AFML) and development of the ASEAN Guidelines on Portability of Social Security Benefits for Migrant Workers.
Before concluding his statement, President Marcos expressed confidence that Canada’s G7 presidency next year will continue the bloc’s proactive engagements in current geopolitical issues, reflecting its continuing effectiveness, relevance, and significance.
“We welcome Canada’s leading role in world affairs,” the President said.
