Philippines, Singapore to pursue new bilateral deals

MANILA, Philippines —   President Marcos and Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong agreed to pursue new bilateral agreements that will further benefit both nations during their meeting in Singapore yesterday.

Marcos met with Wong at the Istana to reaffirm the partnership between the Philippines and Singapore and advance cooperation across key sectors, according to a statement from the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

“The two leaders discussed expanding trade, harnessing opportunities in artificial intelligence, attracting more investments and strengthening collaboration in health and social development,” the PCO said.

In a Facebook post, Wong said Singapore and the Philippines share “strong and growing ties.”

He said Singapore remains one of the Philippines’ largest foreign investors, adding that there is potential to deepen the two countries’ cooperation in areas like artificial intelligence, as well as the green and digital economies.

“I thanked President Marcos for the Philippines’ leadership as ASEAN chair this year. It’s Singapore’s turn to chair next year. So we will work closely together to ensure a smooth transition and continue strengthening ASEAN’s unity and resilience in this more uncertain world,” the Prime Minister said.

Marcos also met with executives of ABC Impact, the Ayala Group and representatives from the Temasek Trust to discuss initiatives that will expand access to quality health care.

ABC Impact renewed its commitment to support AC health’s continued expansion.

The President also met with the executives of Singtel Group to discuss initiatives to expand the country’s digital infrastructure and support the country’s growing digital economy.

Singtel has also reaffirmed its commitment to expand investments and operations in the Philippines.

Marcos left for Singapore on Tuesday afternoon for a working visit. He is scheduled to return to the country today.