Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo arrived in Manila this afternoon for a 4-day official visit at the invitation of Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo. During his visit, Minister Yeo will meet and be hosted to a meal by Secretary Romulo. Minister Yeo will also call on President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Minister Yeo's official visit affirms Singapore's bilateral relations with the Philippines, as 2009 marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of Singapore-Philippines bilateral relations. In this regard, Minister Yeo and Foreign Secretary Romulo will be attending a cultural concert on 21 November 2009 to commemorate the anniversary.
In conjunction with the bilateral visit, Minister Yeo will also be attending the 10th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention (WCEC) as a keynote speaker. Minister Yeo will receive the WCEC flag on behalf of Singapore which will be hosting the 11th WCEC in 2011.
At the start of his visit today, Minister Yeo laid a wreath at the Rizal Memorial Park that honours Philippine National hero Jose Rizal.
Later in the day, Minister Yeo met Senators Manuel Villar and Benigno Aquino for an exchange of views on developments in the Philippines. They also discussed regional issues of mutual interest.
Separately, Minister Yeo also met with old friends, Senators Edgardo Angara and Manuel Roxas as well as former Trade and Finance Secretaries Cesar Purisima and Jose Pardo. Senator Angara also hosted a dinner in honour of Minister Yeo, which was attended by members of the diplomatic corp and senior members of the business community.
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
19 NOVEMBER 2009