Vancouver, July 4 -- Canada and the Philippines on Friday launched a strategic partnership covering trade, defence, energy and labour cooperation, with both countries aiming to conclude negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement by the end of 2026.

Prime Minister Mark Carney and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who is on the first visit to Canada by a Philippine head of state in 11 years, announced the partnership in Vancouver.

A key pillar of the partnership is the proposed Canada-Philippines Free Trade Agreement, which both governments said they aim to finalize before the end of the year.

The two leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to concluding negotiations on a broader Canada-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement during t...