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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider VP Duterte thanks Singapore foreign minister

VP Duterte thanks Singapore foreign minister

Published Apr 17, 2024 07:45 am

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte met with Singapore Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan earlier this week, remembered how he helped in her work in the Southeast Asia education council, and thanked him for his support.

VPSD_Balakrishnan.jpgVice President Sara Duterte welcomes Singapore Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan during his courtesy visit to her office on Monday, April 16, 2024. (Inday Sara Duterte/Facebook)

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, April 17, the official also recalled how Balakrishnan “helped a family member navigate the Covid-19 quarantine in Singapore.”

“We will always be grateful for the kindness extended by the Singapore government. A memorable chapter in my pandemic stories was when I made friends with Foreign Minister Vivian,” she wrote.

But aside from her personal anecdotes about the Singaporean foreign chief, Duterte also said the ministry he heads and Singapore’s Ministry of Education “played a pivotal role in extending support and utmost help to the Philippine delegation during our official visit to Singapore last year.”

The Vice President also noted how Balakrishnan expressed his country’s appreciation of the role of Filipino workers in Singapore.

“It was also heartwarming to hear from Foreign Minister Vivian about their appreciation for the hard work of Filipinos who have made a significant difference in their country, from their homes to industries and healthcare providers,” she said.

According to Duterte, Singapore “is a trusted and reliable partner of the Philippines, especially in trade and commerce, tourism, and people-to-people relations,” adding that it is also one of the largest foreign investors in the country and ranked one among the Southeast Asian countries in terms of inbound tourism.

Noting that the two countries will celebrate the 55th anniversary of their diplomatic relations this year, the official underscored that they will “continue to enjoy robust bilateral ties.”

“We both look forward to further expanding and deepening these relations, particularly in the field of education,” she added.

Related Tags

Covid pandemic Vivian Balakrishnan VP Sara Duterte Singapore foreign minister
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