PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte is confident that the Philippines’ relationship with Singapore would be enhanced, following his state visit to the city state.
During the state banquet hosted by Singapore President Tony Tan Keng Yam held Thursday evening at the Banquet Hall of Istana, Duterte said his two-day visit to Singapore sought to reaffirm the relations between the two countries.
He believes that his visit had resulted in a “closer” partnership with Singaporean leaders.
“I came to Singapore with a singular purpose – to renew and reaffirm the friendship and cooperation between our nations and peoples,” the President said.
“I say tonight, we can and should look forward to a future of greater mutually beneficial collaboration,” he added.
Duterte also noted that the presence of around 180,000 Filipinos is reflective of an “enduring friendship between the two countries.
Tan, for his part, said Singapore and the Philippines enjoy a robust friendship anchored in “a shared vision of peace, harmony, and prosperity.”
Tan also acknowledged that the strong economic ties between the two countries are complemented by warm people-to-people relations.
“Both Singapore and the Philippines are doing more to enhance economic and business cooperation,” he said.
“Both our countries believe in trade and development to improve the lives of our peoples. Singapore companies are keen to invest in the Philippines – one of Asia’s fastest growing economies,” Tan added.
Tan also noted that International Enterprise (IE) Singapore is encouraging Singapore business firms to venture into cities beyond Manila, like Davao and Cebu.
He added that IE Singapore is devoting more resources to beef up its presence in the Philippines next year, in order to serve the growing interest of Singapore companies in the Philippine market. (Sunnex)
