The Philippines and Singapore explored new collaboration opportunities during the 7th Informal Consultations on the Philippines-Singapore Action Plan in Singapore last week. They discussed stronger defense and maritime cooperation, efforts against online scams, and economic ties. Delegations also exchanged views on the green economy and other issues.
Last week, the 7th Informal Consultations on the Philippines-Singapore Action Plan (IC-PSAP) took place in Singapore, where representatives from both nations explored new avenues for collaboration.
Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Ma. Hellen de La Vega and Singapore's Foreign Ministry Permanent Secretary Albert Chua led the discussions. They addressed enhancing defense and maritime cooperation, as well as combating online scams in the region. The talks highlighted the state of bilateral relations, with a focus on economic cooperation and opportunities to expand Philippine agricultural exports to Singapore.
Delegations exchanged views on various areas, including the 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. There, they discussed the direction of Philippines-Singapore bilateral relations and key regional issues.
The Informal Consultations are anchored in the 1998 Memorandum of Understanding on the PSAP, which provides a framework for strengthened bilateral cooperation to promote peace and prosperity in both countries and across the region.