First of all, once again, allow me to officially welcome you, Prime Minister Wong, to the Philippines, and we are very happy to welcome you here. And I also welcome the members of the Singaporean delegation who have come with you.
I am honored that the Prime Minister chose the Philippines as your first bilateral visit since being reappointed after securing a famous victory during the Singapore May 2025 General Elections. Congratulations by the way.
The bilateral relations between the Pearl of the Orient and the Lion City have not only endured but have thrived in the last 56 years.
The depth and breadth of our ties extend beyond government institutions as vibrant exchanges between our peoples, businesses, and educational and vocational institutions continue to grow and to flourish.
Today, I look forward to discussing our strategic priorities for the years ahead – charting a path of enduring collaboration with meaningful benefits to Filipinos and Singaporeans, most especially in today’s complicated changing world.
I look forward to our discussions on health, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, renewable energy, the environment, and other people-to-people exchanges. These are vital and priority sectors for the development of our countries and for the region.
Just last month, we launched the Digital Leadership Program as a result of our partnership with Singapore. The program aims to equip thousands of Filipino civil servants with digital leadership competencies.
We are grateful to partner with Singapore in building a future-ready, inclusive, and innovation-driven service.
As founding members of ASEAN, both the Philippines and Singapore are steadfast in our commitment to the full and effective implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision and in strengthening regional ties.
Our two nations remain resolute in upholding and advancing peace, security, and stability in the region. Pillars that have fostered unprecedented growth and a sustained development of our peoples and communities over these last decades.
Just last week, we met in Kuala Lumpur and reaffirmed these commitments and exchanged views on the situation impacting the regional bloc, as well as our responses to ongoing pressing regional and global issues.
Amid these uncertainties, we have set out a fresh direction for the region with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 that seeks to achieve a resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people-centered ASEAN.
I look forward to working with you and other members of ASEAN in turning this vision into a reality.
Finally, the Philippines congratulates Singapore as it celebrates its 60th Year of Independence this August.
The Philippines looks forward to continuing to work alongside Singapore – a trusted neighbor, a dependable friend, and a reliable partner – as we pursue our development agenda and our long-term vision of a strongly-rooted, comfortable, and secure life for all Filipinos.
Now, thank you, Mr. Prime Minister. If you would, please.
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