PH, Canada exploring partnership on free trade, security

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Philippines President Benigno S. Aquino III make their way to a joint news conference on Parliament Hill Friday May 8, 2015 in Ottawa. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP)

OTTAWA, Canada – Citing the strong bonds between their countries, President Benigno Aquino III and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Friday morning (Friday evening in Manila) agreed to explore the possibility of signing a free trade agreement.

READ: In the Know: Philippines-Canada relations

Both leaders witnessed the signing of a letter of intent between Philippine and Canadian officials to launch exploratory discussions on a possible trade agreement at the Parliament Hill.

READ: Canada, PH explore trade opportunities

Harper said they also agreed to work on updating foreign investment promotion and protection agreement. He said Canada’s Trade Minister Ed Fast would lead a mission to Manila later this month to firm this up.

Both leaders also agreed to cooperate on counter-terrorism, addressing security threats, and anti-corruption measures, he said.