In the wake of Russia’s aggressive actions against Ukraine, the meeting underscored the global interconnectedness and the importance of building resilient, inclusive societies. It was a significant step forward in implementing the EU’s Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, which was initiated at the 2022 Paris Forum, as per an official press release.
The EU also unveiled its Global Gateway initiative, a plan to increase the EU’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific region through strategic investments in infrastructure development. This initiative supports the twin transitions towards a greener and more digital economy. Over 20 flagship projects under the Global Gateway initiative are set to be launched in the Indo-Pacific region in 2023 and beyond.
The EU has made strides towards fostering sustainable and inclusive prosperity by securing global economic recovery and resilient supply chains. Partnership and Cooperation Agreements were signed with Malaysia and Thailand in December 2022, and negotiations for a free trade agreement with New Zealand concluded in June 2022. Simultaneously, dialogue with Australia, Eastern and Southern Africa, Kenya, Indonesia, and Thailand is ongoing.
Addressing climate change is another core focus of the EU's Indo-Pacific strategy. The Green Blue Alliance for the Pacific, which includes actions for climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience, has recorded milestones this year in Fiji and Papua New Guinea. The EU also announced a €30 million Green Team Europe Initiative with ASEAN in December 2021 to support cooperation on climate action and environmental protection.
The EU demonstrated its commitment to strengthening international ocean governance, particularly through its efforts at the United Nations to reach an agreement on the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Treaty.
The EU has been active in building digital partnerships with Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Singapore. These partnerships aim to foster a safe, secure digital space and shape a set of standards that can be globally applied. The EU also launched the Asia-Pacific branch of the Digital4Development Hub in 2022 to support digital partnerships throughout the region, the release added.
This forum's results underlined the EU's commitment to fostering stronger relationships with the Indo-Pacific region, promoting shared prosperity, peace, and security while also addressing global challenges such as climate change and digital divide.
ALCHEMPro News Desk (KD)
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