Photo: IISS

French President to open Asia鈥檚 leading defence summit with keynote speech on 30 May in Singapore.

President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron will deliver the Keynote Address at the opening of the 22nd edition of the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue on Friday, 30 May 2025, in Singapore. Organised by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), the Dialogue will take place at the Shangri-La Hotel from 30 May to 1 June 2025.

The IISS Shangri-La Dialogue is widely recognised as Asia鈥檚 premier defence and security summit. Each year, it brings together ministers of defence, military leaders, senior defence officials, and security experts from across the Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America and beyond. Discussions will focus on key regional and global security challenges.

This year鈥檚 keynote speech by President Macron highlights France鈥檚 continued commitment to the Indo-Pacific region. Dr Bastian Giegerich, Director-General and Chief Executive of IISS, remarked, 鈥淭hrough President Macron鈥檚 vision and leadership, France became the first European country to adopt a strategy for the Indo-Pacific. France鈥檚 ties to the region are multi-faceted. We look forward to hearing President Macron outline France鈥檚 strategic approach to regional security.鈥

The Dialogue is expected to welcome over 550 delegates representing more than 40 countries. Past keynote speakers include President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. of the Philippines (2024), Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia.

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