Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has congratulated President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on the Philippines’ elevation to upper-middle income country, describing it as a “respectable growth” milestone amid challenges brought about by global uncertainties.

Marcos met with Wong at the Istana in Singapore on Wednesday as part of his working visit to deepen cooperation with one of the Philippines’ key partners in Southeast Asia.

In a press briefing Thursday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Wong recognized the Philippines’ economic gains and expressed confidence in the country’s continued development.

“Sa kanilang meeting, nagpaabot ng pagbati si Prime Minister Wong kay Pangulong Marcos Jr. sa pag-angat ng Pilipinas bilang upper-middle income country (During their meeting, Prime Minister Wong conveyed his congratulations to President Marcos Jr. on the Philippines’ elevation to an upper-middle income country),” Castro said.

“Ayon sa Prime Minister, maituturing na respectable growth o matatag na pag-unlad ng Pilipinas ang pagiging upper-middle income country sa likod ng mga pagsubok dulot ng kaguluhan sa Middle East (The Prime Minister said the Philippines’ attainment of upper-middle income country status may be considered a respectable growth milestone or steady development despite challenges brought about by the conflict in the Middle East),” she added.

Wong also congratulated the Philippines and Filipino tennis icon Alex Eala for her historic Wimbledon achievement, expressing hope that the athlete will become the first Southeast Asian player to win a Grand Slam title at the prestigious tournament.

Both leaders recognized Eala’s accomplishment as a source of pride for the Philippines and the Southeast Asia.

“Kapwa nagpaabot ng paghanga ang dalawang lider sa tagumpay na dala ni Alex Eala sa Southeast Asia (Both leaders expressed admiration for the success and pride that Alex Eala has brought to Southeast Asia),” Castro said.

During the meeting, Marcos and Wong discussed expanding trade, promoting investments, advancing artificial intelligence cooperation and strengthening collaboration in health and social development.

They also reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing new bilateral agreements and sustaining peace, stability, and prosperity in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Singapore will host the ASEAN Summit next year after the Philippines’ hosting. (PNA)