Singapore’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, concluded a productive working visit to the Republic of the Philippines spanning April 15th to 18th, 2024. The visit aimed to fortify the enduring and amicable ties between the two nations through a series of engagements.
On April 16th, Minister Balakrishnan participated in a series of meetings geared towards solidifying the longstanding relationship between Singapore and the Philippines. In a meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., both leaders reaffirmed the robust connection between their countries and explored avenues for further bilateral cooperation. Discussions also encompassed regional developments of mutual interest.
During his visit, Minister Balakrishnan convened with Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo to deliberate on various collaborative initiatives. These discussions encompassed topics such as fostering people-to-people relations, advancing renewable energy endeavors, and bolstering the ASEAN Power Grid. Additionally, a commemorative logo marking the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and the Philippines was unveiled following their meeting.
Furthering the diplomatic exchanges, Minister Balakrishnan paid a courtesy call on Vice President and Secretary of Education Sara Duterte. Their discussions reaffirmed the strong people-to-people ties between the two nations and explored potential areas of cooperation, particularly in the realms of education and tourism.
In a joint press conference alongside Secretary Manalo, Minister Balakrishnan reiterated Singapore’s confidence in the Philippines’ economic trajectory. He underscored Singapore’s commitment to collaboration in forward-looking domains such as the green economy and innovation, signaling a shared vision for future growth.
Addressing regional security concerns, Minister Balakrishnan emphasized the imperative of upholding international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), in resolving disputes in the South China Sea. He emphasized ASEAN’s pivotal role in promoting peace and stability in the region, reaffirming the bloc’s unity and centrality.
The visit underscores Singapore’s unwavering commitment to deepening bilateral relations with the Philippines and contributing to regional stability and prosperity.