State Visit by President Halimah Yacob to the Republic of the Philippines, from 8 to 12 September 2019

President Halimah Yacob, who is in the Philippines on a State Visit, was received by Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte at the Malacanang Palace this afternoon. After the ceremonial welcome, the two leaders had a bilateral meeting and witnessed the exchange of several MOUs.

During the meeting, President Halimah and President Duterte reaffirmed the excellent and longstanding friendship between the two countries as we mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. They took stock of bilateral cooperation and agreed there was potential to build even deeper economic and people-to-people links, including through upgrading the bilateral Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement and expanding the bilateral Air Transport Agreement. They also emphasised the importance of regional counter-terrorism cooperation, including by building more cohesive societies through interfaith dialogue. President Halimah and President Duterte also discussed international and regional developments, and reaffirmed the importance of regional economic integration and ASEAN unity.

Both Presidents witnessed the exchange of 8 MOUs which span areas of mutual interest such as infrastructure development; sustainable urban solutions including water resource management; skills training and education cooperation; and agri-trade, arts and culture and data protection.

In the evening, President Duterte and Madam Cielito Avanceña hosted a State Banquet in honour of President Halimah and Mr Mohamed Abdullah Alhabshee.

Earlier in the day, President Halimah laid a wreath at the Rizal Monument in Manila – in honour of Philippine national hero Jose Rizal.  President Halimah also visited San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site within the Intramuros – the historic centre of Manila, which dates back to the 16th century.

Tomorrow, President Halimah will witness the opening of Podium Office Tower, visit Singaporium – a lifestyle and food pop-up organised by Enterprise Singapore featuring Singapore companies, and deliver opening remarks at the 14th Philippines-Singapore Business Council Meeting. President Halimah will then travel to Davao City, where she will be hosted to dinner by Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

9 SEPTEMBER 2019

President Halimah Yacob paid her respects to the Philippines’ national hero Dr Jose Rizal during the Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Rizal Monument this morning. Dr Jose Rizal helped to inspire the Philippine Revolution from 1896 to 1898 during the Spanish reign in the Philippines. President Halimah also visited Intramuros and Fort Santiago, two important historical sites in Manila.

Photo Credit: Ministry of Communications and Information

President Halimah Yacob was received by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte at Malacañang Palace this afternoon.

Photo Credit: Ministry of Communications and Information 

Bilateral meeting between President Halimah Yacob and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte involving senior officials at the Malacañang.

Photo Credit: Ministry of Communications and Information 

President Halimah Yacob with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte at the joint press conference highlighting the new areas of cooperation to build deeper economic and people to people links.

Photo Credit: Ministry of Communications and Information