Beginning a three-day state visit aimed at bolstering ties between the two Southeast Asian nations, Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam arrived in the Philippines today.
The Singaporean leader and his wife, Jane Ittogi Shanmugaratnam, will be hosted in Manila by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos. The visit represents a significant milestone in the relationship between Singapore and the Philippines, with discussions centered around major areas of mutual interest.
A key highlight of the visit will be the meeting between the two leaders to discuss bilateral relations, particularly in the areas of energy and healthcare. They will also oversee the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) related to the recruitment of Filipino healthcare professionals and the trading of carbon credits, further strengthening ties between the two nations.
President Tharman will also receive a briefing from Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga on the Philippines’ efforts in sustainable water management and the preservation of natural resources, with discussions on potential areas for future cooperation.
According to Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this visit underscores the ongoing commitment of both countries to collaborate in bilateral and multilateral forums, with a focus on sectors such as energy and healthcare.
Tharman’s visit is particularly noteworthy as he is the first Singaporean head of state to visit the Philippines since President Halimah Yacob’s trip in 2019. His visit follows President Marcos’ invitation extended to Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and President Tharman during Marcos’ visit to Singapore in May.
The two nations have enjoyed strong diplomatic relations since May 16, 1969, and this year marks the 55th anniversary of these ties. Approximately 200,000 Filipinos reside in Singapore, with 60% working as professionals or skilled laborers, while the remaining 40% are employed as domestic helpers.
