UPDATED 10th July 2024:
President Marcos Jr. marked the opening of Asia’s premier defence summit with his keynote address on the Seven Realities and Three Constants facing Indo-Pacific
THE International Institute for Strategic Studies’ (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue has announced FERDINAND R. Marcos Jr., President of the Philippines, delivered the Keynote Address at the 21st edition on 31 May 2024. This year’s Summit hosted more than 550 delegates from more than 40 nations.
Dr. Bastian Giegerich, IISS Director-General and Chief Executive, stated, “The Philippines under President Marcos Jr. has elevated its contribution to regional stability and security. Since taking office in June 2022, President Marcos Jr. has expanded and deepened the strategic partnerships of the Philippines across the Asia-Pacific and beyond at a time of geopolitical uncertainty.” He said the IISS looks forward to President Marcos Jr. articulating his vision for a stronger and more prosperous Asia-Pacific at the Dialogue.
Past keynote speakers have included notable figures such as Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, and Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivered a thought-provoking presentation against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainties as the Philippines faces a range of challenges, from climate change to heightened regional tensions. In his address, President Marcos emphasized several key points:
Archipelagic Unity and Sovereignty
The Philippines has historically upheld the values of amity, fraternity, and sovereign equality among nations. The archipelagic doctrine, which treats all archipelagic states as a single unit, has been enshrined in international law. The Philippines consciously aligns its territorial definition and maritime zones with recognized norms.
Peace and the Rule of Law
President Marcos highlighted the dream of an international community living in peace, upholding the rule of law, and enabling nations to thrive. Upholding sovereignty and adhering to international treaties are essential for achieving this vision.
Indo-Pacific Security Challenges
The region faces multifaceted security challenges, including territorial disputes, climate-related risks, and geopolitical tensions. President Marcos stressed the need for cooperation, dialogue, and strategic partnerships to address these issues collectively.
Constants
+ Strategic Dialogue: The Shangri-La Dialogue provides a platform for open, frank, and constructive conversations on pressing strategic issues. It symbolizes the aspiration for peace and harmony in the Indo-Pacific.
+ Shared Responsibility: All nations share the responsibility to maintain regional stability, uphold international law, and promote cooperation. Collective efforts are crucial to addressing security challenges effectively.
+ Hope and Vision: President Marcos reaffirmed the dream of a peaceful international community—a vision that transcends borders and unites nations in pursuit of common aspirations.
In summary, President Marcos’s address underscored the importance of unity, dialogue, and adherence to international norms in addressing regional security challenges. His words resonate as a call to action for all stakeholders in the Indo-Pacific.
• Video of Speech and Q&A Session click here
• Audio only click here
• Full Transcript click here
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Singapore, 24 January 2024 – The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) has announced that Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., President of the Philippines, will deliver the Keynote Address at the 21st edition of the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue. The address will take place on Friday, 31 May 2024, marking the opening of Asia’s premier defence summit.
The IISS Shangri-La Dialogue, held from 31 May to 2 June 2024 in Singapore, will bring together defence ministers, military leaders, senior defence officials, business leaders, and security experts from across the Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, and beyond. The Dialogue serves as a platform to discuss critical security challenges facing the region.
Past keynote speakers have included notable figures such as Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, and Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Dr. Bastian Giegerich, IISS Director-General and Chief Executive, stated, “The Philippines under President Marcos Jr. has elevated its contribution to regional stability and security. Since taking office in June 2022, President Marcos Jr. has expanded and deepened the strategic partnerships of the Philippines across the Asia-Pacific and beyond at a time of geopolitical uncertainty. The IISS looks forward to President Marcos Jr. articulating his vision for a stronger and more prosperous Asia-Pacific at the 21st Shangri-La Dialogue.”
The 2024 summit will host over 550 delegates from more than 40 nations at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore. Further announcements regarding individual speakers will be made closer to the event.
Source – IISS
