Secretary Locsin Undertakes His Official Introductory Visit To Singapore

(Photo by Gail Atangan, Philippine Embassy in Singapore)

08 May 2019 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Foreign Minister Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, which reviewed and charted the future direction of relations between the Philippines and Singapore.

At the meeting, Secretary Locsin noted that the two countries are natural partners whose relationship is borne out of pure friendship, and that it is but fitting that this year, the Philippines and Singapore are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. The Secretary noted the way both countries have been helping each other, as when Singapore extended assistance in the aftermath of the Marawi crisis.

Secretary Locsin and Foreign Minister Balakrishnan jointly unveiled the official commemorative logo of the 50th Anniversary of Philippine-Singapore Diplomatic Relations, which formally kicks off a year-long series of activities to be held in both countries.

For his part, Foreign Minister Balakrishnan noted the strong bilateral relations between the two countries and expressed to extend assistance to the Philippines as an ASEAN brother.

In his toast remarks at the lunch hosted by Foreign Minister Balakrishnan, Secretary Locsin highlighted the historical links between the two countries, recalling the national hero Dr. Jose Rizal’s memories of his visit to Cavenagh Bridge and the botanical gardens.

He also cited the two countries’ political and economic partnership, and strong people-to-people connection founded on mutual respect and appreciation. He said that the friendship between ASEAN brothers, the Philippines and Singapore, will stand, in good times or challenging times.

Secretary Locsin also paid a courtesy call on Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on the same day.

The Foreign Affairs Secretary will likewise visit the Philippine Embassy in Singapore to observe the conduct of overseas voting in connection with the 2019 Midterm Election.

The Official Introductory Visit to Singapore of Secretary Locsin was upon the invitation of Foreign Minister Balakrishnan. END

(Photos by Gail Atangan, Philippine Embassy in Singapore)