The President of the Republic of the Philippines His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III, who is in Singapore on a State Visit, was welcomed by President S R Nathan at a ceremony this morning at the Istana. Following the ceremony, President Aquino called on President Nathan. During the meeting, both leaders reaffirmed the warm and long-standing bilateral ties between Singapore and the Philippines. President will host a State Banquet in President Aquino's honour this evening.
President Aquino also met and was hosted to lunch by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the state of bilateral relations and agreed to strengthen cooperation. They also discussed regional and international developments.
Tomorrow, President Aquino will visit the Singapore Botanic Gardens for an Orchid Naming Ceremony, deliver a keynote address at a Singapore Business Federation-International Enterprise Singapore Eminent Leaders Lecture titled "Philippines - Partnership for Progress", as well as visit the Singapore Management University. In addition, President Aquino will tour Changi Airport before departing for Manila.
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
10 MARCH 2011