Amid international criticism over his bloody war on illegal drugs, President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday paid tribute to Singapore for staying out of countries' internal affairs.

In his speech during the state banquet hosted in his honor by Singapore President Tony Tan, Duterte pointed out the reasons why the relationship of the two countries remains strong.

“We reaffirm, respect an independence and the non-interference in the internal affairs of states,” Duterte said.

He also said Singapore and the Philippines put a premium on security and the rule of law. “We work closely on political issues, pursuing principled positions on the rule of law in the peaceful settlement of disputes.”

“I say we are drawn even closer as a partners and friends. We have reason to celebrate. Over nearly five decades, we have seen our ties develop as we add more facets of cooperation to our now multi-dimensional relations,” the president said.

Duterte also underscored the two countries’ commitment to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

“We are committed to make the ASEAN region and beyond safe and secure from traditional, emerging transnational threats,” he said.

Duterte likewise lauded Singapore’s multicultural nature, citing how the city-state champions diversity.

He also praised the economic relations of the two countries.

“We are advancing growth by further intensifying two-way trade and commerce. We are expanding the opportunities for investments to flourish in both our countries.”

For Duterte, the best is yet to come for the two countries.

“Indeed, we have so much to look forward to. I say tonight we can and should look forward to a future of greater mutually beneficial collaboration. This is a future we can start... chart together and aim to achieve. This is how friends should be.”

SHARED HISTORY

Duterte’s host, President Tan, who plays a largely ceremonial role as head of state with some reserve powers, skipped political rhetoric and instead pointed out the shared history of the two countries.

“In the late 19th century, revered Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, left the Philippines for the first time. One of his first ports of call was Singapore. Between 1882 and 1886, Dr. Jose Rizal visited Singapore four times where he recorded detailed observations of the sights and sounds of pre-independence Singapore. His notes and insights provided a very well account of 19th century Singapore. A memorial of Dr. Rizal stands of the grounds of the Asian civilizations museum,” Tan said.

Tan also reported on the interest of Singaporean businesses in the Philippines.

“Singapore companies are keen to invest in the Philippines, one of Asia’s fastest growing economies. Despite our small size, Singapore is the Philippines’ fourth largest trading partner and the top ASEAN investor. Singapore companies such as SIA Engineering and SINGTEL contribute to the development of quality infrastructure, urban planning and ICT services. Both Singapore and the Philippines are doing more to enhance economic and business cooperation,” he added.

Tan also mentioned that several Singapore companies invested in their first projects in the Philippines.

He also talked about how Filipino tourists have come to love Singapore.

“The strong economic ties between the Philippines and Singapore are complemented by warm people to people relations. Singapore is a familiar place to many Filipinos each year. Singapore welcomes about 700,000 visitors from the Philippines,“ Tan said.