Canadian PM to visit PH, will discuss ways to boost bilateral ties – embassy

Canada’s Prime Minister Stephen Harper, center left, and his wife Laureen Ann wave as they arrive at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, India, Monday, Nov. 5, 2012. AP

MANILA, Philippines – Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper will be in Manila on Saturday to discuss ways of strengthening bilateral ties between the Philippines and Canada, the Canadian Embassy in Manila said Tuesday.
“Canada’s relations with the Philippines continue to grow and diversify, aided by an increasingly important Canada-Filipino community,” Harper was quoted as saying in a statement.  “On this trip, I look forward to exploring ways of further strengthening ties between both countries,” Harper added.

The embassy noted that while in Manila, Harper will meet with President Benigno Aquino III to discuss bilateral trade and investment, security cooperation and regional issues. It said that the prime minister will also participate in local cultural and community events.

It noted that Harper’s visit to the Philippines follows his six-day visit to India from November 3 to 9. Harper would be accompanied by Trade Minister Ed Fast, Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver, and Canadian Senator Tobias Enverga.

It said that the Philippines was the top source of immigrants to Canada, with nearly 500,000 people of Filipino origin now living in the country.