Photos from The Philippine Business and News
Singapore’s Ambassador to the Philippines Constance See has underscored the deepening partnership between Singapore and the Philippines during a celebration of Singapore’s 59th National Day at the Grand Hyatt Manila on Tuesday (Sept. 3).
The event that also marked the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, highlighting the enduring and multi-faceted relationship that has grown stronger over the decades.
In her speech, Ambassador See emphasized that the relationship between Singapore and the Philippines has been nurtured through mutual trust, respect, and confidence, which she described as the “greatest asset” of both countries.
“For more than five decades, our two nations have forged a partnership that is robust and multi-faceted,” she said, underscoring the shared values that guide both countries, including a commitment to international law and the promotion of peace, security, and prosperity in the region.
Over the past several months, the bilateral relationship between the two countries has reached new heights, with high-level engagements that have opened doors for further collaboration:
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore last May, followed by Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s State Visit to the Philippines in August, were seen as significant milestones in the growing partnership.
Ambassador See expressed gratitude for the warm reception President Tharman received during his visit, which included a traditional kamayan feast that left a lasting impression. She credited the success of the visit to the cooperation of both governments and the private sector, noting that it reaffirmed the strong and dynamic nature of the Singapore-Philippines relationship.
During President Tharman’s visit, several key Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) were signed, paving the way for deeper cooperation between the two nations. Among the highlights were agreements on carbon credits collaboration, reflecting both countries’ commitment to addressing climate change, and on the deployment of healthcare workers, underscoring the importance of enhancing skills in critical sectors.
“These developments are not just milestones; they are the building blocks of a shared vision for the future—a future where our nations work together to tackle the pressing challenges of our time, whether they be economic, social, or environmental,” Ambassador See said.
The ambassador also highlighted the strong people-to-people ties that serve as the foundation of the bilateral relationship. She noted the mutual affection and friendship between Singaporeans and Filipinos.
Looking ahead, Singapore is set to celebrate its 60th year of nationhood in 2025, with Ambassador See expressing optimism about the future of the Singapore-Philippines partnership. “Together, we will continue to build a future that is prosperous, secure, and inclusive for all,” she said.
The event was attended by key figures from the Philippine government, including Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Bilateral and ASEAN Affairs Maria Theresa Lazaro, along with members of the diplomatic corps and various business and civic leaders.