Jakarta, Indonesia
September 6, 2023

We welcome a new era in ASEAN-Canada relations as we adopt the Joint Leaders’ Statement on ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced before his fellow Leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada at the ASEAN-Canada Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia.

During his intervention, the President emphasized in his statement that the elevation of ASEAN-Canada relations to a strategic partnership complements the launch of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy and will strengthen the deepening relations between both sides.

“We recognize Canada’s role in promoting maritime security and safety in the region. We welcome Canada’s continued engagement through capacity-building programs, specialized and skill-based training to counter traditional and emerging threats,” he said.

He also acknowledged the collaborative programs between the ASEAN and Canada, as stated in the ASEAN-Canada Plan of Action Trust Fund that will provide funding for priority areas aligned with the ASEAN-Canada Action Plan (2021-2025), ASEAN’s Community Vision 2025 and its Post-2025 Community Vision.

Furthermore, President Marcos Jr. highlighted Canada’s ongoing support for education in the ASEAN through its Scholarships and Educational Exchange for Development (SEED) Program, which has recently received an additional investment of CAD14 million. He also welcomed Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy and its support for the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation (AIPR) through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives.

“This further demonstrates ASEAN and Canada are undoubtedly natural allies, with shared values and mutual interests across all the pillars of the ASEAN Community. It is clear that the growing and deepening strategic partnership of ASEAN and Canada will further advance peace, security, stability, resilience, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and beyond,” he concluded.

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