Regional stability, rules-based int’l order, tatalakayin ni Canadian FM Joly sa Manila visit

MANILA, Philippines- Asahan na ang pagdating sa Pilipinas ni Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly ngayong linggo para sa kanyang three-day visit na naglalayong i-promote ang “regional stability, rules-based international order”  at para talakayin ang bagong  Indo-Pacific strategy ng Canada kasama ang mga opisyal ng Pilipinas.

Makakapulong ni Joly sina  Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr., ang kanyang counterpart na si Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, at iba pang miyembro ng gabinete para pag-usapan ang “regional security and stability, maintenance of a rules-based international order” sa gitna ng tumataas na tensyon sa pinagtatalunang South China Sea at Taiwan Straits.

Tatalakayin din ni Joly  sa miting ang Indo-Pacific Strategy ng Canada at partnership nito sa  Association of South East Asian Nations.

“The Indo-Pacific is the global centre of economic dynamism and is of strategic importance to our security. What brings our countries together is our unwavering commitment to democracy, prosperity, and a free, open and sustainable Indo-Pacific, rooted in the rule of law,” ani Joly sa isang kalatas.

Layon aniya ng Canada na  “deepen relationships in the region with key partners,” kabilang na ang Pilipinas at Korea, kanyang bibisitahin ang Korea bago ang kanyang Manila trip.

Si Joly ay pang-apat na ministro na bibisita sa Pilipinas sa ilalim ng administrasyong Marcos.

Sa ulat, nauna kay Joly sina Minister of Trade Mary Ng, Minister of Agriculture Marie-Claude Bibeau, at Minister of Development Harjit Sajjan, pinunan at pinagtibay ang dalawang bilateral meetings sa pagitan nina Pangulong Marcos at  Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau noong nakaraang taon.

Habang nasa Maynila, makakadaupang-palad din ni Joly ang academics, non-governmental organizations, at civil society leaders upang makakuha ng kaalaman sa mga hamon na kinahaharap ng Pilipinas at rehiyon.

Habang hangad ng Canada na magtatag ng  malakas na  “people to people ties” sa Maynila, sinabi ni Joly na  siya ay  “will seek ways to enhance cooperation under Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy to confront malign influence, combat climate change, protect maritime environments, and build more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous societies.”

“Considered as one of the fastest growing economies in the Indo-Pacific region, the Philippines creates commercial, development, and climate finance opportunities for Canada,” ayon sa Canadian government. Kris Jose