Marcos now in Singapore for defense summit

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Brunei — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. arrived in Singapore on Wednesday afternoon to participate in the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue.

The plane carrying Marcos landed at 4:52 pm at Changi Airport, according to the Office of Presidential Protocol.

Marcos will deliver the keynote address during the defense summit on May 31 and there are expected bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the dialogue.

Marcos said his participation at the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue was important as this recognizes the challenges currently faced by the Philippines.

"I think it's highly significant. The invitation in itself is highly significant. The fact that they asked the Philippine President to come and speak on that very subject is significant in the sense that it is a recognition that there are challenges that are facing the Philippines," Marcos said during an interview with reporters.

The Chief Executive said he would discuss the ways forward for the Philippines and for the region amid the challenges.

He will be the first Filipino president who will deliver the address during the dialogue.

Marcos had a two-day state visit here, with the aim to elevate bilateral ties between the two countries.

Various deals on tourism, agriculture and maritime cooperation were inked during the state visit.

Marcos and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah discussed maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region during their bilateral meeting. — RSJ/RF, GMA Integrated News