The Philippine Navy welcomed Royal Canadian Navy commander Vice Admiral Angus Topshee during a visit to Naval Station Jose Andrada on May 11, as Manila and Ottawa continue expanding maritime and defense cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
Philippine Navy Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta received Topshee at Navy headquarters, where both officials discussed ongoing naval engagements and opportunities to strengthen maritime collaboration between the two countries.
During the meeting, Ezpeleta presented key initiatives under the Philippine Navy Sail Plan 2040, the service’s long-term modernization and capability development program.
He described the engagement as a reflection of the longstanding professional relationship between the Philippine and Canadian navies.
“This is a clear manifestation of the strong friendship and professional ties that have been built between our navies throughout the years,” Ezpeleta said.
Topshee, meanwhile, emphasized the importance of cooperation and mutual learning in improving interoperability and operational capabilities among partner navies.
The Philippine Navy said the visit highlights continuing efforts by Manila and Ottawa to deepen defense ties and promote maritime security, regional stability, and adherence to international law.
“We are partners working shoulder to shoulder to uphold international law, enhance maritime domain awareness, and improve interoperability,” Ezpeleta added.
The engagement comes amid increasing maritime cooperation among allied and partner nations across the Indo-Pacific region.