By Marinel E. Peroy
Singapore recently marked its 59th anniversary as a nation, standing on the cusp of its 60th next year.
“Next year, Singapore will celebrate 60 years of nationhood. Not bad for an improbable nation,” Ambassador Constance See said at the celebration at the Grand Hyatt Manila on Tuesday (Sept. 3) which also commemorated its 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations with the Philippines.
“As we approach this significant milestone, I am filled with optimism and confidence, buoyed by the knowledge that we have steadfast friends like the Philippines by our side. Together, we will continue to build a future that is prosperous, secure, and inclusive for all,” she added.
The deepening partnership between the two countries, the ambassador said, is demonstrated in the successful state visit of Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam to the Philippines in August.
“He was warmly and so graciously received by President Marcos Jr and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos. I was told that three weeks later, President Tharman continues to speak warmly of his visit here which must have left a deep impression,” the ambassador said.
“I should also add that President Tharman enjoyed tremendously the kamayan feast/boodle fight we prepared for him. It was a delicious and truly authentic Filipino experience,” she added.
During this visit, memoranda of understanding (MOU) on carbon credits collaboration and on the deployment of healthcare workers were signed.
These are “a clear reflection of our shared commitment to addressing the global climate crisis…[and underscore] our mutual recognition of the importance of enhancing skills and opportunities for our peoples in critical sectors,” the ambassador said.
“We had the honour of hosting President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr in Singapore last May where he delivered the keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue,” she added.
She highlighted the enduring and multi-faceted relationship that has grown stronger over the decades, particularly the people-to-people ties.
“Today, we are reminded that the true measure of our partnership is not found merely in the passage of time, but in the tangible progress we have achieved together. This is reflected in the deepening cooperation across various sectors—from trade and investment, defense, security as well as education, science, and culture,” Ambassador See said.
At THEPHILBIZNEWS’ Embassy Night-Year 3 last April, Singapore’s top diplomat to the Philippines said she sees further collaboration on digital economy, sustainable development, and innovation.
Ambassador See said mutual trust, respect, and confidence are the “greatest asset” of the bilateral relationship.
“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.
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, joined Singapore in the celebration of its national day.