MANILA, Nov. 2 -- The Philippines and Canada on Sunday formally signed the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA), marking a milestone in their 75-year partnership and strengthening defense cooperation.

"Today is a great day for both of our nations. It's a day that we declare our commitment to deepening our defence cooperation, a commitment to build on the productive and beneficial partnership that we already enjoy, a partnership that stretches back 75 years," Canadian Defense Minister David McGuinty said in a joint press briefing in Makati City.

He said the SOVFA reflects "deeper truth, that peace is built on rules, not recklessness, and that stability grows from cooperation, not confrontation."

The Philippines' Defense Secretary...