Over the next four days, Sikorski will also visit Malaysia and the Philippines, with discussions centered on security and economic cooperation.
Sikorski's visit aims to address security policies and present Poland's perspective on conflicts in the Indo-Pacific region. According to sources close to diplomatic circles, Sikorski will stress the importance of resolving disputes peacefully, without resorting to force.
Accompanying Sikorski are Deputy Ministers of Defense and Agriculture, Paweł Zalewski and Michał Kołodziejczak, who will work to enhance bilateral relations, particularly in the areas of defense and agriculture.
The visit began with a meeting between Sikorski and Singapore's Foreign Minister, Vivian Balakrishnan. According to a post by the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the X platform, the two diplomats discussed global issues, including the situation in Ukraine.
Sikorski also met with Singapore's Senior Minister and National Security Coordinator, Teo Chee Hean, where they discussed security concerns in Europe, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific, as well as the rise of neocolonial trends.
During his time in Singapore, Sikorski also engaged with the local Polish community. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that this year marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Poland and Singapore.
Sikorski's visit will continue with stops in Malaysia and the Philippines. In these discussions, he is expected to emphasize the importance of stabilizing the maritime situation in the South China Sea, a critical trade route valued at over USD 3 billion annually. The ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea, involving China, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Malaysia, pose significant regional tensions. China's claims, which are not recognized by the International Court of Arbitration, have heightened concerns, particularly with the Philippines.
Sources close to the Polish PAP newswire indicated that Sikorski will also address the potential impact of escalating tensions in the region, which could lead to decreased U.S. support for Ukraine, thereby affecting security in the Euro-Atlantic region. Ukraine will be a key topic in the minister's discussions throughout his Southeast Asia tour.
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Source: PAP