SINGAPORE, 29 May 2026 – Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the Republic of Singapore Medardo G. Macaraig received Mr. Edgar Doerig, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Embassy of Switzerland in Singapore and Ambassador-designate of the Swiss Confederation to the Philippines, during a courtesy call at the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Singapore on 28 May 2026.

The courtesy call provided an opportunity to reaffirm the longstanding relations between the Philippines and Switzerland and to exchange views on areas of mutual interest. The two sides discussed opportunities to further strengthen bilateral engagement, including in economic cooperation, investments, infrastructure development, energy transition, climate resilience, disaster risk reduction, and people-to-people ties.

The Ambassador welcomed Mr. Doerig’s forthcoming assignment to Manila and underscored the importance of continued engagement with partners across the Philippines, including in provinces and economic growth areas where Swiss interests and investments are present. Both sides also exchanged views on regional and international developments and emphasized the value of dialogue, cooperation, and a rules-based regional order.

The meeting also highlighted shared interests in sustainability and resilience, including renewable energy, climate action, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and technologies that may support the Philippines’ development priorities. The Ambassador expressed appreciation for Switzerland’s constructive engagement with the Philippines and confidence in the continued deepening of bilateral relations.

Mr. Doerig is serving as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Embassy of Switzerland in Singapore during a transitional period from May to July 2026, until the arrival of Switzerland’s next Ambassador to Singapore. He has held senior diplomatic assignments in the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, including as Switzerland’s Ambassador to Qatar and Chile. 

The Philippines and Switzerland established diplomatic relations in 1957, but ties started much earlier in 1862 when Switzerland opened its consulate in Manila, its first ever in Asia. (END).