Singapore Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong concluded his introductory visit to the Philippines on 5 June 2025, reaffirming the strong and growing partnership between the two Southeast Asian nations.

Invited by Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Prime Minister Wong’s two-day visit featured a ceremonial welcome at Malacañang Palace, a wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal Monument, and a bilateral meeting with President Marcos Jr., who also hosted an official dinner in his honour. Both leaders discussed ways to further deepen bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on regional and global developments.

Coinciding with the visit was a major milestone in maritime cooperation between the two countries. Singapore-based Greenbay Marine delivered five new RoPax vessels to the Archipelago Philippine Ferries Corporation (APFC), which operates under the FastCat Ferries brand. Greenbay Marine is known for its capabilities in shipbuilding, ship repair, and maritime engineering.

“This will certainly help create more destinations and bridge islands to transport passengers and products to new locations,” said APFC President and CEO Christopher Pastrana. He added that the delivery is part of APFC’s broader mission to modernize domestic maritime transport in the Philippines.

The development underscores the importance of Singapore-Philippines economic collaboration, particularly in infrastructure and connectivity—key pillars for inclusive growth in the region.

Source: The Manila Times and Prime Minister's Office Singapore 
Photo Credit: Prime Minister's Office Singapore