Marcos, Singapore’s Wong discuss partnership on aid, climate change

(L-R) Philippines’ President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, interact on stage during the opening ceremony of the 44th and 45th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summits in Vientiane on October 9, 2024. FILE PHOTO/Agence France-Presse

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said he discussed with  Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong the continuous partnership of the Philippines and Singapore in areas of humanitarian aid and climate change.

The two leaders spoke by phone on Thursday.

“Just got off the phone with Singapore’s Prime Minister, Lawrence Wong. Their quick response after Severe Tropical Storm Kristine made a real difference for so many of our kababayans in the hardest-hit areas,” Marcos said in a brief statement.

READ: Marcos skipping Apec Summit in Peru to focus on disaster response

“We discussed sustaining this partnership—from humanitarian aid to tackling climate challenges—all within the framework of Asean [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] cooperation,” he added.

Marcos then expressed gratitude to Singapore for their assistance to Kristine’s victims and said he is looking forward to deepening ties and creating more ways for them to support each other in the region.

In a phone call with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim last November 4, Marcos thanked him for deploying some of his country’s air assets to help the Philippine government bring aid to those affected by Kristine.

READ: Singapore, Malaysia air assets arrive to aid Kristine relief efforts

Marcos also recognized the assistance provided by neighboring nations to the Philippines in times of need.

“In this time of mourning the lives lost, it is also heartening to see how our friends in Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) have responded with support in our time of need. This kind of solidarity is what strengthens our region,” he said.