Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam (sitting) signs the guest book in Malacanang Palace during his State Visit to the Philippines on Aug. 15 to 17, 2024. Looking are on (from left) Mr. Tharman’s spouse, Mrs. Jane Ittogi Shanmuga- ratnam, Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Arane- ta-Marcos. PHOTO FROM PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., together with First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, warmly welcomed Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam on his first State Visit to the Philippines from Aug. 15 to 17, 2024. President Tharman was given a welcome ceremony with arrival honors at Malacañang Palace, followed by the signing of the guest book and a private leaders’ tête-à-tête. President Tharman was accompanied by his spouse, Mrs. Jane Ittogi Shanmugaratnam.
Joining the two Presidents’ tête-à-tête were Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo and Singapore Ambassador to the Philippines, Ms. Constance See.
The State Visit to the Philippines of President Tharman underscores the close and enduring partnership between the Philippines and Singapore, marking a notable chapter in the 55-year history of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries. The two leaders last met in Singapore on May 31, 2024.
With bilateral trade reaching USD 10.62 billion in 2023, Singapore stands as the Philippines’ 8th largest trading partner. The strong people-to-people ties between our countries are further evidenced by the strong presence of about 200,000 Filipino community in Singapore.