MANILA – The Philippines and Singapore on Thursday vowed to deepen their ties and explore new areas of collaboration.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said he had “very open, frank and wide-ranging” discussions with Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam during their bilateral meeting at Malacañan Palace in Manila.
“Our bilateral relations have come a long way and have undergone immense transformation since they were established over five decades ago. Our meeting today was an opportunity to reaffirm and (renew) our bonds of friendship and see how we can build upon them further,” Marcos told Shanmugaratnam after their bilateral meeting.
Shanmugaratnam said Singapore and the Philippines could work together through their governments, corporations, and philanthropic agencies.
He said the two countries, despite their differences, share the same aspirations to improve the lives of their people.
“We see ourselves as a partner in the Philippines’ development in all aspects – economic development, sustainability, inclusive growth. We see yourself as a partner for the long term. We would like to participate in the Philippines’ development,” Shanmugaratnam said, citing Singapore’s willingness to share relevant experience to sustain economic growth.
He said Singapore also believes in the Philippines’ economic potential, noting Singaporean businesses’ interest in investing in the neighboring country.
Marcos also acknowledged Singapore as an essential trade and investment partner of the Philippines, with Singapore companies venturing into a wide sector of industries in the country, ranging from the hospital industry to the renewable energy sector.
Deep, multi-faceted
During his bilateral meeting with Shanmugaratnam, Marcos said the Philippines’ bilateral relations with Singapore are “deep and multi-faceted,” noting the improved security between the two countries.
“The Philippines remains optimistic in fostering closer and enhanced cooperation with Singapore in existing areas, such as defense and security, trade and investment, and new areas, such as sustainability and in energy,” he said.
Marcos also expressed optimism that the Philippines and Singapore would forge new agreements in the areas of health and maritime security.
“MOUs in the fields of health and maritime security are already in the pipeline and are anticipated (to be) finalized in the very near future,” he said.
Marcos said Philippine local government units and Singapore’s private sector partners are also expected to sign MOUs following the collaboration between Philippine government agencies and the Singaporean private sector.
New relationship trajectory
While the two nations have a “warm and long-standing” relationship, they can further elevate their ties in traditional and new areas, Shanmugaratnam said.
He said Singapore is eyeing closer cooperation with the Philippines in such areas as health care, infrastructure, and various dimensions of the environment, including carbon credits.
“So, I think we are making fine progress. It’s a phase of our relationship that shouldn’t be business as normal, incremental change after its meeting but we want to take it on a new trajectory,” Shanmugaratnam told Marcos. “Under your leadership, I’m confident we will be able to achieve that.” (PNA)
