Rome pledges to focus on G7 in Indo-Pacific as Europe talks with Asia

A series of summits with EU foreign ministers held in Brussels on Friday focused on ASEAN and Indo-Pacific countries. Italy’s Mr. Tajani noted the centrality of the region and said it would feature prominently in G7 initiatives led by Italy.

The EU has its eyes on the Indo-Pacific. Two parallel high-level meetings were held in Brussels on Friday. Both meetings took place between representatives of the European Union and the foreign ministers of major Asian countries. Both sides seek deeper cooperation and how the EU, while affirming its autonomy (mainly through the absence of its two main regional interlocutors, the US and China), will strengthen its plans in this important region. He emphasized that he intended to do so.

• This two-round meeting format, which European diplomats call “back-to-back”, facilitates all of this. EU countries portray themselves as third-party partners, somewhat removed from the complex landscape of great power rivalry that characterizes the Indo-Pacific region.

Dear Ministers… One, led by Paris, called for EU foreign ministers to meet (in an informal format) with the foreign ministers of more than 50 Indo-Pacific countries. Chaired by the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell, the meeting will focus on topics of mutual interest, from climate change and environmental degradation (an “existential threat to both sides,” according to the EU memorandum) to digital issues. This is done based on the work table related to. The economies and their potential to foster innovation, development and growth in both regions.

…and ASEAN. The other, which confronts representatives of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, a bilateral dialogue that was elevated to a “strategic partnership” in 2020, also focuses on similar, albeit more specific, themes. , as it turned out, this was the 24th such meeting. Manila is responsible for dialogue with the EU within ASEAN, and Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo chaired the meeting alongside Borrell.

• Participants evaluated the implementation of last year’s decisions and planned next steps in developing relations. The two leaders discussed ways to strengthen their partnership in key areas, including trade, climate change, and potential developments in regional and international security.

Words (and deeds) from Rome. “ASEAN is an essential interlocutor for the growth and stability of the Indo-Pacific. Italy continues to invest in our relationship with this regional organization, of which we are a development partner,” said Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. “The stability, prosperity, and security of the Indo-Pacific is critical, as it is a region of vital importance to the world’s balance and economy.” Protection of freedom of trade and navigation will be a qualification of Italy’s G-7 Presidency. ”

• Rome plans to invite ASEAN as an association to the G7 summit, and possibly some member states (Vietnam and Indonesia may also be mentioned), but no diplomatic letter has been issued yet.
• Also, other Indo-Pacific countries such as Australia and New Zealand, perhaps India and South Korea, the Cook Islands (chair of the Forum of Pacific Island States, of which Italy is a “dialogue partner”), and the Comoros Islands (of which Italy is a “dialogue partner”). I plan to participate. He currently chairs the African Union, but is expected to be replaced on a rotating basis later this year).

Always good at talking. Hours before the two summits began, Borrell made the claim in an editorial published by a Singaporean newspaper. business hours – In a world characterized by geopolitical competition and conflict between great powers, such summits support the commitment of the EU and Indo-Pacific countries to foster closer cooperation and strengthen security, prosperity and resilience. “demonstrates strong common interests.”

• The EU aligns well with ASEAN due to its defined dimensions. Both blocs are also central trading blocs in the global economy and are particularly exposed to trends emanating from regions such as the Middle East and Africa.
• The fate of Europe and the Indo-Pacific (including ASEAN space) India-Mediterranean route connects west and east.

Image: Bogdan Hoyo, European Union, 2024