President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. thanked Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong for the city-state’s assistance in the relief operations in the aftermath of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name Trami).

Marcos extended the Philippines’ gratitude to Singapore through a phone call with Wong on Thursday.

The President said Singapore’s prompt assistance made a significant difference for many Filipinos in hardest-hit areas.

“We discussed sustaining this partnership— from humanitarian aid to tackling climate challenges —all within the framework of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) cooperation,” Marcos said.

“The Philippines sends our heartfelt gratitude and we look forward to deepening our ties and creating even more ways to support each other across the region,” he added.

Singapore was one of four Southeast Asian countries that aided the Philippines following the devastation of Kristine, sending a military aircraft that proved pivotal in bringing relief goods and supplies to affected areas.

Aside from Singapore, other Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam also sent help. (PNA)