President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. vowed on Tuesday to express before Singapore leaders and the world the position and stance of the Philippines on defense and diplomacy, highlighting the country’s commitment to a rules-based order and constructive multilateralism amid geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.
“The Shangri-La Dialogue is a very important dialogue because it is a dialogue about security and defense concerns, amongst several foreign ministers, defense ministers, and I think it is extremely timely that I attend and put forward and articulate the Philippines’ perspectives and outlook on defense and diplomacy while we continue to highlight the Philippines’ commitment to a rules-based international order and constructive multilateralism amidst the current geopolitical challenges that we face in our region,” President Marcos said.
The President made the remarks before leaving Manila for a two-day state visit to Brunei Darussalam and a two-day working visit to Singapore where he will deliver a keynote message on the 21st edition of this year’s International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue.
Multiple stakeholders in defense, ranging from heads of governments, heads of states, and defense of ministers to industry players from around 40 countries with about 500 participants are expected to attend the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue.
Other world leaders who have delivered keynote addresses were Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in 2023; Thailand Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-O-Cha 2016; Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Sri Najib Tun Razak 2011; Republic of Korea President Lee Myung-Bak 2010; and Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd 2009.
Aside from this engagement, President Marcos said his working visit to Singapore is part of the series of high-level exchanges between the two countries, which diplomatic relations span for 55 years already since it was formally established on May 16, 1969.
President Marcos said he will also take the opportunity to invite Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to visit the Philippines as part as a testament to the strengthening bonds between the two countries.
President Marcos’ visit to Singapore is also upon the invitation of former Prime Minister Lee Hsein Loong. | PND
