Secretary Cayetano Receives Singapore FM Balakrishnan, Discusses Bilateral Relations and Regional Issues

13 June 2017 — Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano received earlier today his Singaporean counterpart, Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs, during the latter’s call as part of his introductory visit to the Philippines.

Minister Balakrishnan assumed his current position in 2015.  He is also the Minister-in-Charge of Singapore’s Smart Nation Initiative, the country’s national effort to support better living and stronger communities using technology.

Secretary Cayetano and Minister Balakrishnan reviewed the state of Philippines-Singapore bilateral relations and discussed pressing areas of concern in the region.  They affirmed the excellent state of the two countries’ ties and resolved to continue to cooperate in ASEAN.

The meeting was followed by lunch hosted by Secretary Cayetano for Minister Balakrishnan and his delegation. Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez also joined the Philippine delegation. 

Singapore is among the Philippines’ top trade and investment partners, ranking as the country’s fourth major trading partner.  Moreover, investment promotion agencies-approved Singaporean investments in the Philippines was ranked as the fifth largest source in 2016.

The two countries will commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations in 2019. END