Today (Monday) is the National Day of Singapore. Singapore celebrated its first National Day in 1966, one year after its independence from Malaysia on August 9, 1965. The Singapore National Day Parade is one of the major highlights in the celebration of National Day. For the first time in 2007, the parade was held at Marina Bay in lieu of the National Stadium, and this arrangement is expected to be maintained until the new sports hub is completed in around 2014-2016.
Every year, Singaporeans celebrate their National Day with an impressive show featuring fireworks, military parades, and colorful displays from the various cultural groups that make up Singapore's community. Since the 2000s, every year's parade would revolve around a theme which guides the planning of the parade and show.
The Philippines and Singapore are committed to the collective vision of the importance of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, in which the Philippines and Singapore are two of the founding members. The two countries are also committed members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, with Singapore hosting the offices of the Secretariat.
On November 19, 2009, Singapore Foreign Minister George Yeo visited Manila at the invitation of Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo. His visit to the Philippines was auspicious as the Philippines and Singapore were commemorating the 40th Anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2009.
We congratulate the people and government of Singapore led by Their Excellencies, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and President S.R. Nathan, and its Embassy in the Philippines headed by H.E., Ambassador A. Selverajah, on the occasion of their National Day. We wish them all the best and success in all their endeavors.
