Aquino, Tan strengthen ties between PH and Singapore

President Benigno Aquino III. AP

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines has strengthened its defense and cooperation ties with Singapore amid the maritime dispute between the Philippines and other Asian countries with China.

President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday met with his counterpart, Singapore President Tony Tan, and discussed strengthening security and defense cooperation which includes “high level training, educational, and intelligence exchange” between the two countries.

“I believe that strengthening defense cooperation between the Philippines and Singapore is key to maintaining regional stability,” Aquino said.

Tan, meanwhile said, the Singapore government would work closely with the country to promote the common interest of the Asian region.

Tan also congratulated Aquino for the success of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

“This is a momentous accomplishment and a testament to the leadership and efforts of President Aquino and his administration for brokering peace and stability in the Philippines and in the region,” Tan said.

Reiterating his grief for the victims of Super Typhoon “Yolanda” (Haiyan), Tan said he would fly to Basey town in Samar on Saturday to hand in donations of the people of Singapore to the affected communities.

Tan will present medical supplies to the Basey District Hospital, which is a joint rehabilitation project of the Singapore Red Cross and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

“We are heartened that the spirit and resilience of the Filipino people remain strong in such devastation, he said.

Aquino thanked the Singapore government for its commitment to help the Philippines to “build back better and stronger.”

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