Manila, July 16 -- Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has congratulated President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on the Philippines' elevation to upper-middle income country, describing it as a "respectable growth" milestone amid challenges brought about by global uncertainties.

Marcos met with Wong at the Istana in Singapore on Wednesday as part of his working visit to deepen cooperation with one of the Philippines' key partners in Southeast Asia.

In a press briefing Thursday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Wong recognized the Philippines' economic gains and expressed confidence in the country's continued development.

"Sa kanilang meeting, nagpaabot ng pagbati si Prime Minister Wong kay Pangulong Marcos Jr. sa pag-angat ng Pili...