BBM, Singapore FM discuss areas of cooperation

President Marcos met with Singaporean Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan on Monday to talk about green energy, carbon credits and other new cooperation areas between their countries, which will celebrate 55 years of diplomatic ties next month.

- ALEXIS ROMERO

The meeting, one of Balakrishnan's engagements in his three-day official visit to the Philippines, took place at Bahay Pangulo, Marcos' official residence.

Present at the meeting were First Lady Liza Marcos and Balakrishnan's wife Joy.

"Our countries share a rich history of friendship and 55 years of diplomatic relations," Marcos said in a post on Instagram on Monday.

Balakrishnan said he was honored to be received by the First Couple.

"It was good to meet the President again after his state visit in Singapore in 2022," Balakrishnan said.

"We exchanged views on regional developments and spoke about new areas of collaboration, such as on green energy and carbon credits," he added.

Balakrishnan said he was looking forward to strengthening ties when he and Marcos meet again at the Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore.

The event, described as Asia's premier defense summit, will be held from May 31 to June 2.