Lawrence Wong makes 1st official visit to the Philippines as PM, discuss ways to build & enhance cooperation

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr discussed concrete ways to build on and enhance cooperation between the two countries.

"[Singapore-Philippines relationship] is built on a high degree of mutual trust and respect, and it has enabled mutually beneficial cooperation over a wide range of areas," said PM Wong at a joint press conference at the Malacañang Palace in Manila, Philippines, on Jun. 4.

On renewable energy

The two leaders also agreed to expand their collaboration in renewable energy and carbon credits.

On renewable energy, PM Wong said that Singapore companies are interested in renewable energy projects in the Philippines, including solar and wind projects.

The project will generate economic opportunities for the Philippines while also supporting the Philippines' renewable energy targets.

Both leaders also agreed to accelerate efforts to achieve a power grid for Asean, an integrated system to enable power sharing and enhance electricity trade across regions.

"This will improve energy resilience in the region and support Asean's green transition," PM Wong said.

On carbon credits

On carbon credits, Singapore and the Philippines signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) last August, and officials from both countries are now working towards finalising a legally binding implementation agreement which aligns with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.

PM Wong said that this will "facilitate commercial participation in the carbon credits project and spur technology transfer, green investments, and create good jobs".

Importantly, both countries also agreed to bolster people-to-people links between the two countries, which PM Wong said "forms the bedrock of our bilateral relationship".

"We are both founding members of Asean, so Singapore and the Philippines have a common interest in preserving Asean centrality and unity," said PM Wong.

"The Philippines can count on Singapore's full support for its Asean chairmanship next year, and we will coordinate closely because Singapore takes over from the Philippines the Asean chairmanship the following year."

PM Wong's first official visit to the Philippines

This is PM Wong's first official visit to the Philippines since becoming prime minister last year.

His introductory visit to the Philippines from Jun. 4 to 5 was held at the invitation of Marcos Jr.

During the visit, PM Wong received a ceremonial welcome at the president's official residence.

He also gave a toast speech at the official dinner hosted by Marcos Jr.

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Top image via Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI)