President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. vowed stronger bilateral ties with “ally” Singapore.
“We see our future, of the Philippines as having Singapore beside us, forging ahead to the future. Singapore—as part of our journey in maintaining political stability and economic prosperity in the region,” Marcos said during his state luncheon at The Istana in Singapore on Wednesday, Sept. 7.
Marcos also expressed optimism that Philippine-Singapore ties both bilaterally and within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) “will continue to grow and become even stronger in the years ahead.”
“I look forward to closer ties and stronger ties between our two countries. Our candid exchange of views, constructive discussions in the governments that were signed this morning have given us renewed optimism for an even brighter future,” he added.
“I can say that I have been lucky to be a recipient of many honors of different sorts around the world. But never have I had a beautiful, such a beautiful orchid named after myself and the First Lady, thank you very much,” the President said of the honor.”
The Philippines and Singapore started their official relations in 1969.
Meanwhile, over 200,000 Filipinos now work and live in Singapore. -Katrina Gracia Consebido/gb
