Singapore president to visit PH for ‘Yolanda’ aid, trade

Singapore’s President Tony Tan Keng Yam AFP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Let’s talk business…and humanitarian aid.

Singapore’s President Tony Tan Keng Yam will embark on his first state visit to the Philippines from April 2 to 5, upon the invitation of President Benigno Aquino III.

Aquino and Tan are expected to discuss several issues of mutual concern, from defense to trade and investment.

Singapore’s head of state will also extend support for the victims of Super Typhoon “Yolanda” (international name Haiyan).

“While in Manila, President Tan will hand over donations, contributed by the people of Singapore, to the partners of the Singapore Red Cross involved in the post-Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) rehabilitation projects.  Following this, he will fly to Basey, Western Samar, where he will present medical supplies to the Basey District Hospital – a joint rehabilitation project between the Singapore Red Cross and the International Committee of the Red Cross,” the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

Tan, who will reciprocate Aquino’s state visit to Singapore in March 9 to 11, 2011, will be accompanied by his wife Mary Tan and a delegation of government officials.

Singapore is host to 180,000-strong Filipino community. This is also among the many matters that will be discussed by Aquino and Tan.

While in the Philippines, Tan will meet with the Philippine-Singapore Business Council.

Singapore was the country’s 4th largest trade partner in 2013 with total trade between the two countries amounting to US$9.27 billion.

It is also the Philippines’ 6th largest source of tourists with 175,304 Singaporeans visiting the country last year.

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