President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is leaving for Singapore for a working visit from 14 to 16 July, Palace press officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said in a surprise announcement on Monday.

Castro, in a Palace briefing, said the working visit is part of the administration’s effort to strengthen the Philippines’ bilateral relations with Singapore and deepen cooperation with one of the country’s key partners in Southeast Asia.

She said the visit comes as Singapore prepares to assume the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) chairmanship next year, underscoring the importance of close coordination between the two countries on regional priorities.

Marcos is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Castro said.

The two leaders are expected to discuss expanding cooperation in trade and investment, environmental initiatives, healthcare and regional and global development while reaffirming both countries’ commitment to ASEAN centrality and regional stability.

Marcos will also participate in the Milken Institute Private Roundtable Discussion at the Philippine Embassy in Singapore, where he will engage with business leaders and investors.

The activity forms part of the government’s effort to attract more investments following the Philippines’ elevation to upper-middle-income country status.

Meanwhile, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos will deliver a message at the Global Economic Cooperation East Summit also in Singapore.

She will speak at the invitation of the Future Economic Cooperation Council, an India-based platform that brings together business and government leaders to promote strategic global economic cooperation.