Sawt Falasteen - Philippines set to sign visiting forces deal with Canada

Manila's defence department said it and Canada had "successfully concluded negotiations", but gave no timetable for when a deal would be signed.

"This agreement will establish a framework for increased cooperation", the statement read, saying it would foster "closer collaboration between defence and military establishments".

The deal "underscored the Philippines' commitment to bolstering international partnerships and promoting regional security", it added.

Manila already has similar pacts with the United States, Australia and Japan, against a backdrop of China's actions in the disputed South China Sea.

China claims the crucial waterway in nearly its entirety, despite an international ruling that its claims have no legal basis.

Manila concluded negotiations on a similar agreement with New Zealand last month, and is also in talks with France.

The Canadian Navy last year began taking part in joint maritime patrols with its US, Australian, Japanese, and Filipino counterparts.

A visiting forces deal would also allow Canadian troops to participate in joint exercises on land.

Last month, Canada's ambassador to Manila David Hartman said the two sides had negotiated an agreement that would allow for future participation by Canadian troops in joint US-Philippine sea, air and land military exercises.

B.AbuZeid--SF-PST