Philippines, Singapore discuss bilateral relations, economic cooperation

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and Singapore discussed new avenues for collaboration during the 7th Informal Consultations on the Philippines-Singapore Action Plan (IC-PSAP) held in Singapore last week.

Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for policy Ma. Hellen de La Vega and Foreign Ministry Permanent Secretary Albert Chua for Singapore discussed more robust defense and maritime cooperation as well as combat online scams in the region.

They also deliberated on the state of bilateral relations, highlighting economic cooperation and opportunities to expand Philippine agricultural exports to Singapore.

The delegations also exchanged views on green economy, energy, climate change and carbon credit initiatives, water and waste management, smart and sustainable infrastructure, biodiversity conservation and people-to-people ties.

Following the IC-PSAP, De La Vega paid a courtesy call on Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan. The officials discussed the direction of the Philippines-Singapore bilateral relations and key regional issues.

The Informal Consultations are anchored on the 1998 Memorandum of Understanding on the PSAP, which provides a framework for strengthened bilateral cooperation initiatives for the promotion of peace and prosperity in both countries and across the region.