MANILA, Philippines – Bolstering its “diplomatic footprint” in Southeast Asia, Canada announced on Tuesday, August 5, that it will send its first “dedicated” ambassador to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

In a statement, the Canadian Embassy in the Philippines cited Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird, who said Canada “will establish a diplomatic mission” to ASEAN.

The embassy said the mission “will be headed by Canada’s first dedicated ambassador to ASEAN, and will be co-located with Canada’s embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia.”

“Canada’s mission to ASEAN will significantly bolster our diplomatic footprint in the region and will build on the momentum of the Canada-ASEAN relationship,” Baird said.

Canada has been among 78 non-ASEAN member states that have sent ambassadors to the regional bloc as of June 2014.

‘Key partner’

The embassy told Rappler the dedicated ambassador this time, however, is different.

Ambassador Donald Bobiash, who has represented Canada in ASEAN in the past, “is concurrently accredited as ambassador to Indonesia, Timor Leste, and ASEAN.” “With Minister Baird’s announcement, there will be a separate ambassador responsible solely for ASEAN,” the embassy said.

In the embassy statement, Baird pointed out that ASEAN “is a key economic, political, and security partner for Canada.”

“Canada has been one of the longest-serving Dialogue Partners of ASEAN and has worked hard to enhance and foster this important relationship. Our comprehensive engagement with ASEAN covers issues like supporting human rights, improving regional security, reducing transnational crime, and increasing trade and investment opportunities,” he said.

Canada has been expanding its role in Southeast Asia, with the North American country naming 4 out of 10 ASEAN member-states – including the Philippines – as “countries of focus.”

Canada prioritizes countries of focus when it comes to aid. – Rappler.com