Prime Minister Lawrence Wong praised the leadership of United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres, calling it "exemplary" during "these troubled times."

During the official lunch hosted in honour of the secretary-general, who is on an official visit to Singapore, PM Wong also added that Singapore is committed to strengthening the UN.

"We will continue to do whatever we can to support your leadership and the UN's mission. We will offer ideas, build bridges, and broker solutions."

Commitment to the rules-based multilateral system

In his speech, PM Wong highlighted the UN's unique status as the only global body with "universal participation and legitimacy".

The UN framework respects the independence of member states while giving them a voice in international affairs, as well as providing a platform for countries to address common challenges together.

PM Wong added that as a small state, Singapore deeply appreciates Guterres' steadfast commitment to upholding the UN Charter and international law, pointing out that the rules-based multilateral system is crucial for preserving Singapore's sovereignty.

"We appreciate your advocacy for even the smallest and most vulnerable states, and you can likewise count on our support."

He also highlighted Guterres's contribution to strengthening multilateralism, including initiating the Summit of the Future, which will take place later in Sep. 2024.

PM Wong said Singapore "will do our part" to support the summit, and looks forward to its outcomes.

Advocate for global equity and justice

PM Wong also noted that Guterres strongly advocates global equity and justice.

"You have reminded the world not to neglect problems like poverty and hunger, even while you commenced work on frontier issues like Artificial Intelligence," he said.

"Singapore shares your commitment to prevent inequality and digital divide from widening further, and to make sustainable development a reality for all nations."

Guterres is visiting Singapore from Aug. 31 to Sep. 2 at the invitation of PM.

This is Guterres' first official visit to Singapore as the UN secretary-general.

In addition to lunch with PM Wong, Guterres's schedule includes a call on President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and a meeting with Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

SM Lee previously called on Guterres at the UN headquarters in New York City in April 2022.

Top photos via MDDI