(From left) Singaporean Ambassador to the Philippines Gerard Ho Wei Hong,
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., and Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia (Photo courtesy of PCOO)
MANILA -- Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said the Philippines will continue to fortify its bilateral relationship with Singapore, which is commemorating its independence.
Speaking at the Reception of the 54th National Day of the Republic of Singapore on Wednesday night, Locsin conveyed President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s warmest greetings to the government and people of Singapore for the celebration of their 54th National Day on August 9.
“We are filled with renewed inspiration to continue our work of forging ever-stronger ties with the most efficient state in the world, one that started with almost nothing, except for a surfeit of leadership material far more than the rest of Asia combined,” Locsin said.
The 54th National Day of Singapore also marks the 50th year of the establishment of Philippines-Singapore diplomatic relations that began in 1969.
“It is my honor to celebrate with you the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Philippine - Singapore diplomatic relations. Since 1969 our countries have never wavered in our deep friendship, and fruitful cooperation, through good and challenging times,” Locsin said.
Locsin also praised Singapore’s success in its sustainable development, saying that the country “represents the very vision and aspiration of many nations.”
“Time-lapse of Singapore would be awe-inspiring, from its origin as coastal settlements, to its magnificent skyline, [and] the remarkable expanse of green urban spaces today...And so it became what it is today, the embodied Asian vision of what a country should be,” Locsin said.
“Singapore harnessed its strengths, which were weaknesses elsewhere,” Locsin added.
The country’s top diplomat also discussed the West Philippine Sea and said that while it would take time before the issue can be resolved, the Philippines would push for stability in the region.
“Nothing will stand in the way of limitless progress, prosperity, and, I dare say, peace for our region,” he said.
“For the good health of His Excellency Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Her Excellency President Halimah Yacob, to the happiness of the peoples of the Philippines and Singapore, and to our enduring friendship,” Locsin said. (PR)
