[WORLD] French President Emmanuel Macron is poised to become the first European leader to deliver the keynote address at the upcoming Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, marking a significant diplomatic milestone. Widely regarded as Asia’s most influential security forum, the annual dialogue convenes senior defence and foreign policy figures from around the globe to tackle pressing geopolitical issues and promote collaboration among strategic partners.
Organised by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), the Shangri-La Dialogue is recognised as the region’s foremost defence summit. The 2025 edition is scheduled to run from 30 May to 1 June in Singapore, drawing defence ministers, top military officials, policy-makers, business leaders, and security experts from across Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America.
President Macron will join the ranks of prominent world leaders who have delivered keynote addresses at the forum, including former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. His speech is expected to articulate Europe’s vision for a rules-based international order and underscore the continent’s pursuit of strategic autonomy amid intensifying US-China rivalry.
Dr. Bastian Giegerich, Director-General and Chief Executive of the IISS, underscored the importance of Macron’s appearance, stating, “Through President Macron’s vision and leadership, France became the first European country to adopt a strategy for the Indo-Pacific. France’s ties to the region are multi-faceted, from its overseas territories to its global role as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.”
Before arriving in Singapore, Macron is expected to attend the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, followed by a visit to Indonesia—Southeast Asia’s most populous nation and an influential regional actor. There, he will join President Prabowo Subianto for a retreat at a military academy in Magelang, Central Java.
Macron’s trip reflects France’s growing strategic engagement with Southeast Asia. As France and Singapore commemorate 60 years of diplomatic relations, his presence at the Shangri-La Dialogue highlights the deepening ties between the two nations. The visit also aligns with Paris’s broader push to bolster its presence in the Indo-Pacific.
In addition to his keynote address, the French president’s itinerary includes high-level discussions in Indonesia and Malaysia, focusing on strengthening economic and security partnerships. The tour is seen as a pivotal step in France’s efforts to assert itself as a central player in the region’s strategic landscape.
This year’s Shangri-La Dialogue is expected to draw more than 550 delegates from over 40 countries. The agenda will include critical discussions on maritime security, regional economic integration, and the implications of emerging technologies on global defence and security dynamics.
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