Belgium's King Lauds Singapore's Resilience, Says Both Countries Can Work Together for a Better World

Belgium's King Philippe has praised Singapore's can-do spirit and commitment to building bridges and consensus, and pledged to deepen both countries' partnership for greater common and shared prosperity.

- Clement Tan

Speaking at a state banquet in honour of President Tharman Shanmugaratnam on March 24, the King cited the backdrop of ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East and Africa, along with rising tensions in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait.

Describing these as "severe threats to global peace and multilateralism, which have surged recently", King Philippe said his country highly valued Singapore's foreign policy, which is "driven by the need for peace, stability and respect for international law".

"Singapore's resilience, in a region confronted with challenges, stands out," he said.

"Singapore's and Belgium's plea for peaceful cooperation contrasts with the hard power games we are witnessing," he added, expressing the hope that their partnership will reach new heights. "As is often said in Singapore, 'Can can!' Together, we can make the world a better, and a more peaceful, place."

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde hosted the traditional banquet at Laeken Castle in honour of President Tharman, who is in Belgium on the first state visit by a Singapore leader, ahead of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026. Mr Tharman is accompanied by his spouse, Mrs Jane Ittogi Shanmugaratnam.

The King's comments come as the Trump administration continues to reshape the world order, from upending a longstanding US commitment to the post-Cold War Nato defence alliance to imposing trade tariffs on even its closest of allies, in moves that have rejigged the calculus in world trade and security.

President Tharman touched on the changing global landscape in his speech at the white-tie dinner.