TOAST REMARKS OF

 DR. ALBERTO G. ROMULO
Secretary of Foreign Affairs

 ON THE OCCASION OF THE 41^ST ANNIVERSARY OF 
THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE’S NATIONAL DAY

09 August 2006

Your Excellency Lim Kheng Hua, Ambassador of Singapore to the Philippines;
Excellencies of the diplomatic and consular corps;
My colleagues in government;
Distinguished guests;
Ladies and gentlemen:

On behalf of Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and the Filipino people, I extend my warmest congratulations to the government and people of the Republic of Singapore as they celebrate the 41^st  anniversary of their National Day.

This day marks yet another milestone in the young life of Singapore as an independent and prosperous nation.

Now, on its 41^st year, Singapore has reached that unprecedented level of sophistication where its influence, would almost always matter in any forum, especially in this region. Its enlightened voice has to be heard; its well-meaning suggestions factored in before a position of international significance is carried into effect.

Singapore’s impact is deeply felt in the economic sphere. Its tremendous economic performance has been a source of marvel in modern statecraft. It serves as a guidepost for less-developed and developing states with precious little to offer but the talent and industry of their peoples.

Without let up, Singapore’s economy has been growing consistently, sometimes dramatically, in the last several years apparently immune to the upheavals that persistently buffet the world.

I am pleased, tonight, to mention the continuing robust and dynamic state of our bilateral relations with Singapore.

I note with pride the six Filipino youths who have been recently awarded the Singapore Scholarship for the Academic Year 2006-2007. These successful applicants left for Singapore to study in the prestigious National University of Singapore and the Singaporean Management University for their undergraduate studies.

It  certainly warms the heart to find a friend in Singapore having, through the years, provided top-notch education to Filipino youths. What this accomplishes is to give hope to these scholars so that they may, in the future, impart their learning and contribute to the advancement of their less-privileged countrymen.

In trade, Singapore remains the Philippines’ largest trading partner in Southeast Asia and the fourth in the world. Bilateral trade with Singapore grew to US$6.30B, accounting for 7.32 percent of the Philippines’ total trade with the world.

Also, in 2005, Singapore investments in the Philippines reached US$17.4M to make it the 8^th largest investor with 0.9 percent share of the total foreign direct investments in that year.

Like its relations with the Philippines, Singapore’s ties to the ASEAN remain healthy. It continues to be one of the regional bloc’s prime-movers. It supports an actively engaged ASEAN, but reasonably shares in the unshakeable conviction of ASEAN centrality.

Before I end, please allow me Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, to wish Singapore the best when it hosts the meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund this coming September.

The hosting of such an auspicious gathering of some of the preeminent minds in the fields of business, finance, and the like is a reassurance that Singapore has deservedly earned the respect and confidence of the international community. It is a testimony to Singapore’s prestige in the community of nations.

On this note, I invite Your Excellencies, friends, ladies and gentlemen, to join me in a toast:

• To the good health and continued success of Their Excellencies President S.R. Nathan and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong;
• To the continued prosperity of the people of Singapore; and
• To the enduring bonds of friendship between the Philippines and Singapore.

Mabuhay

/epa

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