Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo arrived in Manila in the evening of 14 February 2006 for an official visit at the invitation of Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alberto Romulo. Minister Yeo called on the Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at the Malacanang Palace this morning. This was followed by a meeting with Secretary Romulo.
Minister Yeo had a warm and wide-ranging discussion with President Arroyo. Both Minister Yeo and President Arroyo reaffirmed the long-standing and close ties between Singapore and the Philippines. President Arroyo also briefed Minister Yeo on her economic reform and upgrading plans, encouraging more Singapore investments into the Philippines. On regional cooperation, Minister Yeo and President Arroyo reaffirmed the importance of ASEAN's integration efforts in enhancing peace and prosperity in the region, and agreed that it was important to have a substantive East Asia Summit (EAS) in Cebu in December 2006.
Minister Yeo also had a good meeting with Secretary Romulo. Minister Yeo and Secretary Romulo agreed to continue working closely together on both bilateral and regional issues. Both ministers discussed ways to strengthen ASEAN as a united and integrated regional organisation. In this regard, both Ministers noted the importance of the work of the ASEAN Charter Eminent Person's Group which is currently meeting in Bangkok. Both Ministers also expressed the desire to clarify the objectives of the EAS and crystallise its agenda. On the proposed visit of Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid to Myanmar as ASEAN's envoy, Minister Yeo and Secretary Romulo agreed that the visit should take place soon and that it should be a meaningful one.
Minister Yeo also had a dinner meeting with Singapore businessmen yesterday to be updated on their activities as well as to discuss business opportunities in the Philippines.
Minister Yeo will return to Singapore tomorrow.
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