Canada’s foreign minister reaffirms country’s commitment to ASEAN, Indo-Pacific cooperation
Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand reaffirmed Canada's commitment to the ASEAN region during a trilateral meeting in Manila. The discussions focused on strengthening economic ties, security cooperation, and finalizing a free trade agreement.
Why it matters
Deepening ties with ASEAN is a strategic priority for Canada as it seeks to diversify its economic partnerships and enhance security in the Indo-Pacific.
'Canada remains a committed ASEAN centrality partner,' says Anita Anand
WASHINGTON (AA) – Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand reaffirmed her country’s commitment to strengthening ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), emphasizing that Canada’s economic prosperity and national security are closely connected to developments in the Indo-Pacific region.
Anand made the remarks Wednesday during the ASEAN-Canada Trilateral Meeting in the Philippine capital Manila, where she met with ASEAN Chair and Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa P. Lazaro and ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn.
“Canada’s strong engagement with ASEAN reflects a simple truth: our prosperity and security at home are deeply linked to developments in the Indo-Pacific,” Anand said in her opening remarks.
She said the region is facing a time of increased geopolitical competition and conflict, making ASEAN’s role as a "trusted convener and stabilizing force" increasingly important.
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