Upcoming Singapore PM visit reaffirms boosting ties with PH

MANILA – The upcoming visit of Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong to Manila this week will serve as an opportunity for leaders of the Philippines and Singapore to deepen bilateral cooperation, Wong's office said Tuesday.

“The visit reaffirms Singapore’s commitment to strengthening our excellent partnership with the Philippines and provides an opportunity for the Leaders to exchange views on deepening bilateral ties, as well as regional and global developments,” a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office read.

Wong is conducting a working visit to the country from June 4 to 5 at the invitation of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

In Manila, the Singaporean leader will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at Rizal Monument and receive a ceremonial welcome at Malacañang Palace.

Wong will be accompanied by Mrs. Wong, Senior Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs Sim Ann, as well as officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During a meeting with Marcos, the two leaders are expected to discuss cooperation in areas such as health, climate change mitigation, and civil service, among others.

Singapore and the Philippines marked 56 years of diplomatic relations last May 16, 2025.

Over the years, the two states have had several high-level exchanges of visits and have increased engagement on a number of key areas, including trade and investment, people-to-people ties, and security and defense cooperation.

On the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue last month, Singapore Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing had invited Philippine special forces to conduct training in Singapore and conveyed interest in “reciprocal opportunities for Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) troops in the Philippines.”

These covers expanding collaboration in navigation flights; Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul; and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response.

Earlier this year, the Singaporean Navy landing ship tank RSS Endeavour also made a goodwill visit to Manila. (PNA)

(2025/06/03-08:52)