Italian Government
Visit of Defense Minister Crosetto on the occasion of the Shangri-La Dialogue
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Italian Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto traveled to Singapore from 28 to 30 May to attend the Shangri-La Dialogue, the leading security and defense forum in the Indo-Pacific region. The event brought together leaders and representatives from more than forty countries, including the United States, represented by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, as well as most Asian nations.
Accompanied by Ambassador Dante Brandi, Minister Crosetto met with his Singaporean counterpart, Chan Chun Sing, reaffirming the renewed momentum in bilateral relations initiated during the meeting between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg. On that occasion, the two leaders agreed on a three-year action plan aimed at elevating relations between Italy and Singapore to a strategic partnership.
The two Ministers witnessed the exchange of texts relating to the agreement on resilience in defense-sector value chains and, during a cordial discussion, explored avenues for further military cooperation between the two countries. They also discussed Singapore’s proposal concerning the GUIDE (Guiding Principles for Underwater Infrastructure Defence Exchanges) initiative, with particular reference to the protection of critical underwater infrastructure, as well as ongoing international security challenges, starting with the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz.
“ The Indo-Pacific has become a strategic global region whose maritime routes, energy supplies, trade flows, and critical technologies are essential not only for the countries of the region, but also for Italy and Europe. For this reason, Italy is paying increasing attention to the Indo-Pacific, maintaining a sustainable presence focused on cooperation, maritime security, and dialogue with international partners, while remaining aligned with its Euro-Atlantic priorities. The participation of the aircraft carrier Cavour and the F-35 aircraft of the Italian Navy and the Italian Air Force in Exercise Pitch Black 2024, together with the operational deployment currently being conducted by ITS Giovanni delle Bande Nere, underscores Italy’s contribution—alongside other European countries—to the security and stability of the region.. “
This is Italy’s approach to the Indo-Pacific,” Minister Crosetto said.
The visit agenda included meetings and discussions with his counterparts from Indo-Pacific countries (Australia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Thailand, and Vietnam) on key issues related to regional security and multilateral cooperation, as well as exchanges with representatives of Italian defense companies operating in the region.
The visit also included a stop aboard ITS Giovanni delle Bande Nere, a Multi Purpose Combat Ship (MPCS), which carried out an operational port call at Changi Naval Base from 27 to 31 May as part of its deployment mission in the Indo-Pacific region.
