Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. speaks to his Cabinet Secretaries in Villamor Airbase before departing for Brunei for a state visit on May 28, 2024. Photo by Jean Mangaluz/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said he would reiterate the Philippines’ commitment to rules-based international order when he delivers keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.
Marcos is scheduled to go to Singapore from May 30 to 31 to attend the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue, an international security and defense forum.
READ: Marcos may discuss West Philippine Sea issue in Singapore forum
“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,” Marcos said in his departure speech at Villamor Airbase in Pasay City.
According to the President, the Shangri-La Dialogue will have several foreign and defense ministers.
While Marcos made no mention if he was going to specifically bring up China’s maritime expansion in the West Philippine Sea, the President has consistently brought up issues of sovereign rights and international order in overseas platforms whenever he gets the chance.
READ: Marcos to go on back-to-back Singapore and Brunei trips next week
Prior to his trip to Singapore, Marcos will also go to Brunei for a state visit. There, the President will also discuss defense ties with Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.
“Brunei has always been an important partner when it comes to Defense Cooperation with the Philippines. So, during my trip, I will discuss with His Majesty ways for further cooperation with Brunei in ensuring the defense of our countries and of our region,” said Marcos.
The President is in Brunei from May 28 to 29.