Singapore, Philippines to strengthen bilateral relations
Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro Locsin Jr. had his introductory visit to Singapore on May 7 to 10 at the invitation of Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan.
Locsin called on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on May 8 where they both reaffirmed the warm and longstanding relationship between Singapore and the Philippines.
Secretary Locsin welcomed the State Visit of President Halimah Yacob to the Philippines later this year. Lee and Locsin discussed the potential to strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas such as counterterrorism and updating of the Singapore-Philippines Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement. They also exchanged views on regional and international developments.
Secretary Locsin met and was hosted to lunch by Balakrishnan as they discussed ways to enhance cooperation bilaterally and within Asean. Minister Balakrishnan and Secretary Locsin noted the strong people-to-people ties and growing economic links between the two countries.
They reaffirmed the shared commitment to Asean unity and centrality, and emphasized the importance of regional cooperation to maintain peace and stability.
In conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Singapore-Philippines diplomatic relations in 2019, Balakrishnan and Locsin unveiled the winner for the commemorative logo design competition which was jointly organised by the Singapore Embassy in Manila and the Philippine Embassy in Singapore. The logo will be used for events in 2019 celebrating the anniversary.
