Philippines Ambassador to Singapore H.E. Medardo G. Macaraig expressed optimism for the future of Philippines-Singapore relations following the successful talks
H.E. Constance See
FOLLOWING the successful 6th Informal Consultations on the Philippines-Singapore Action Plan (IC-PSAP) held on 20th February 2024 in Makati City, Philippines, Ambassador Medardo G. Macaraig has returned to Singapore, expressing pleasure with the direction of the Philippines’ relations with Singapore. He looks forward to the activities and programmes planned by the Embassy to mark the 55 years of enduring friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
Ambassador Macaraig joined the Philippine delegation led by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Assistant Secretary for Asia and Pacific Affairs (ASPAC) Aileen Mendiola-Rau, who co-chaired the meeting with Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Deputy Secretary for Southeast Asia and ASEAN, Foo Chi Hsia.
During the IC-PSAP, Assistant Secretary Mendiola-Rau and Deputy Secretary Foo reaffirmed the excellent bilateral relations between the Philippines and Singapore. Both countries noted with satisfaction the substantial progress in defense and security, trade and investment, culture, and people-to-people ties, and explored potential cooperation in energy, climate change, health, and the maritime domain. They also had fruitful discussions on pressing regional issues such as the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea.
The Philippine delegation included representatives from various government agencies such as the Department of Agriculture, Department of National Defense, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Health, and Department of Migrant Workers. Deputy Secretary Foo was joined by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore and the Singapore Embassy in Manila.
While in the Philippines, Ambassador Macaraig also joined the courtesy call by Deputy Secretary Foo on DFA Undersecretary for Bilateral and ASEAN Affairs Maria Theresa P. Lazaro on 21st February 2024.
The IC-PSAP, established in 1998, serves as a mechanism for strengthened bilateral cooperation between the Philippines and Singapore. The 6th IC-PSAP was the first in-person Consultation held after the pandemic, with the next IC-PSAP set to be hosted by Singapore.
Source: Philippine Embassy in Singapore
