MFA Press Statement: State Visit of President Tony Tan Keng Yam to the Republic of the Philippines (2 to 5 April 2014)

            President Tony Tan Keng Yam, who is in the Philippines on a State Visit, attended a Singapore Red Cross (SRC) event to hand over Singapore’s contributions to post-Typhoon Haiyan relief efforts this morning.  President Tan witnessed the signing of Memoranda of Understanding between the SRC and its movement partners, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and the Philippine Red Cross.  He also presented cheques amounting to S$7 million to SRC’s partners for rehabilitation projects in the affected areas.

            In the afternoon, President Tan was the Guest-of-Honour at the 11^th Philippines-Singapore Business Council (PSBC)’s Roundtable Lunch, which was attended by Philippine Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. and business leaders from the Philippines and Singapore.  President Tan highlighted the positive trajectory of the Philippine economy, which presented opportunities to deepen bilateral economic ties, and encouraged the PSBC to further facilitate cooperation between enterprises on both sides.

            President Tan will depart for Samar Province tomorrow, where he will hand over medical equipment to Basey District Hospital, as part of a rehabilitation project between SRC and ICRC.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

4 APRIL 2014