PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. is scheduled to travel to Singapore (SG) from July 14 to 16 for a working visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties ahead of the city-state’s Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) chairship next year.
“This is part of the government’s push for stronger bilateral relations between the Philippines and Singapore, which will serve as the next chair of the ASEAN next year,” Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro told a news briefing in Filipino.
The President’s itinerary includes a courtesy call to Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, where the two leaders are expected to discuss expanding cooperation in trade and investment, the environment, health, and regional and global development.
The meeting will also serve to reinforce the commitment of both nations to regional stability and ASEAN Centrality, Ms. Castro said.
“The President will also participate in the Milken Institute’s private roundtable discussion at the Philippine Embassy in Singapore,” she said. “He will interact with business leaders as part of the government’s efforts following the recognition of the Philippines as an upper-middle income country.”
Accompanying the President is First Lady Marie Louise Araneta-Marcos, who is set to deliver a message at the Global Economic Cooperation East Summit.
Ms. Castro said her participation follows an invitation from the Future Economic Cooperation Council, an India-based platform focused on fostering strategic economic cooperation between government and business leaders. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking
