Departure Statement of DR. ALBERTO G. ROMULO
Secretary of Foreign Affairs

On the occasion of his Official Visit to the Republic of Singapore
17-19 August 2006 

I depart today for Singapore to pursue the President’s foreign policy of further deepening and strengthening our relations with our friend, neighbor and key ASEAN partner. 

In Singapore, I will meet with President S.R. Nathan, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and Foreign Minister George Yeo.  I shall also meet with members of the Filipino community and Singapore’s business sector. 

Throughout my meetings, I shall reaffirm the Philippines’ commitment to further expand our relations with Singapore, particularly in the bilateral and regional levels. 

With room for growth in two-way trade and investment, I shall explore the possibility of opening Singapore’s market to Philippine livestock products, especially those coming from Mindanao.   

Our Government has been successful in keeping at bay the onslaught of the Avian flu virus.  Effective procedures being implemented have likewise resulted in an FMD-free Mindanao.  These positive developments, when properly conveyed to our partners, further strengthen our position in the region as the preferred source for livestock products. 

In my meeting with Singapore’s business community, I will reiterate the Philippines’ continuing invitation to invest in our country.  The successful experiences of Singaporean companies such as Keppel, Singapore Computer Systems Ltd., Singtel, and Jetstar Asia clearly demonstrate the Philippines’ viability as a premiere investment destination. 

The tourism industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in the Philippine economy.  I shall therefore encourage Singapore business to consider more intensified interaction and collaboration in this lucrative sector. 

As Chair of the 12^th ASEAN Standing Committee (ASC), the Philippines plays an important role in sustaining the region’s pursuit of our shared aspiration of securing the blessings of peace, progress and prosperity for all the region’s stakeholders. 

To achieve these ends, ASEAN – under the Philippines’ ASC Chairmanship – will advance, among others, the establishment of the ASEAN Charter, the ASEAN Convention on Counter-Terrorism, and an ASEAN Instrument for the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers. 

Deepening our engagement with our Dialogue Partners is likewise crucial in order to maintain ASEAN’s centrality in the various regional and sub-regional groupings where we are participating.   

Singapore’s support – and that of our ASEAN brothers and dialogue partners - is important for the success of these undertakings.  My visit to Singapore will afford me the opportunity to discuss at length with my counterpart how to move our shared agenda further forward.  

I am confident my visit will be another significant step in building on the Philippines and Singapore’s enduring friendship that is forged by a common vision of a better future for our peoples and strengthened by an abiding commitment to regional integration and development. END 
 

/jay

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