State Dining Room, Malacañan Palace
4 June 2025

“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,” said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during the bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong of Singapore held in Malacañan Palace.

In his remarks, the President highlighted the depth of bilateral ties between the Philippines and Singapore, noting the vibrant exchanges of people, businesses, educational and vocational institutions.

“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,” he stated.

For his part, Prime Minister Wong cited the vibrant and enduring partnership built over many decades by the predecessors of the two countries for the benefit of their peoples. He emphasized that in the face of a changing and increasingly challenging geopolitical environment, it is even more crucial that both nations stand together.

“We are both founding members of ASEAN and we share common interest in the regional stability and development. And Singapore is committed to supporting and working closely with you, President, to support your 2026 ASEAN Chairmanship,” the Singaporean Prime Minister said.

“Singapore businesses are confident in the dynamism and the potential of the Philippines’ economy, and we are now one of the largest foreign investors in the Philippines. The investments have been growing over recent years and we see potential to do even more…. We are keen to discuss how we can grow our collaboration in new and emerging areas like the green economy and in sustainability,” he added.

Both Southeast Asian leaders reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to working together for the full and effective implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and remaining resolute in upholding peace, security and stability in the region.

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