MFA Press Statement: State Visit of His Excellency Rodrigo Roa Duterte, President of the Republic of the Philippines, 15 to 16 December 2016

        His Excellency Rodrigo Roa Duterte, President of the Republic of the Philippines, is in Singapore on a State Visit at the invitation of President Tony Tan Keng Yam.  On 15 December, President Duterte received a ceremonial welcome at the Istana, called on President Tan and met with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.  President Tan also hosted a State Banquet in honour of President Duterte.

        During the call on President Tan, both leaders affirmed our excellent bilateral relations, which are underpinned by strong economic ties, warm people-to-people links and close partnership within ASEAN.  President Tan highlighted that both countries should explore ways to enhance connectivity in order to boost business links and promote tourism growth.  President Tan and President Duterte agreed that there was room to further broaden and deepen bilateral relations, including strengthening security cooperation.

         President Duterte and PM Lee also had a fruitful exchange on bilateral cooperation as well as regional and international developments.  Both leaders agreed that ASEAN should work together to deal with transboundary challenges such as human and drug trafficking and terrorism. 

        On 16 December, PM Lee will host President Duterte to lunch.  President Duterte will meet Singapore business leaders and visit the Singapore Botanic Gardens where an orchid will be named in his honour.  President Duterte will also meet the Filipino community before departing for the Philippines. 

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

15 DECEMBER 2016