Conference Room, Far Eastern Federal University
Russky Island, Vladivostok
08 September 2012

President Benigno S. Aquino III met with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore before the APEC leaders’ official activities formally commence in the afternoon.

The discussion of the two leaders covered global economic challenges and the importance of strengthening ASEAN’s solidarity and centrality and as an entity that promotes peace and stability in the region.

President Aquino also expressed his gratitude on the strong support given by Singapore to the Philippines in terms of its position on the issue of the West Philippine Sea. Singapore in return committed to continue its support in terms of a peaceful resolution of the dispute in accordance with international law including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Prime Minister Loong was accompanied by his Press Secretary Chen Huai Liang, Ministry of Trade and Industry Permanent Secretary Ow Foong Pheng, Singapore Ambassador to the Philippines Lim Kheng Hua, Foreign Affairs Director on Energy Wong Chow Ming, Trade and Industry Director Rossman Ithnain and Principal Private Secretary Gabriel Lim.

On the Philippine side, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, Presidential Protocol Chief Ambassador Miguel Perez-Rubio and Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda joined the President during the meeting.

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