BRUSSELS, Nov 21(Imran Saqib Ch) – Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, on Thursday concluded the fourth EU–Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum, cementing the bloc’s most ambitious outreach yet to a region stretching from the East African coast to the Pacific Islands.
The two-day gathering in Brussels drew nearly 70 delegations, including all 27 EU member states, key Indo-Pacific nations and regional bodies such as ASEAN, the Pacific Islands Forum and the Indian Ocean Rim Association. The scale and seniority of participation underscored the growing strategic convergence between Europe and the Indo-Pacific at a time of heightened geopolitical friction.
Opening the Forum, High Representative Kallas declared that “the security of Europe and the security of the Indo-Pacific are indivisible.” She highlighted Russia’s continuing war in Ukraine, the weaponisation of trade and technology, and the accelerating climate emergency as catalysts forcing both regions to deepen cooperation within a rules-based international order.
Delegates convened in three parallel roundtables addressing:
- Security priorities amid escalating geopolitical tensions
- Economic security, shared prosperity and digital connectivity
- Joint action for a clean, sustainable future
The Forum served as a stock-taking exercise of tangible progress since the last ministerial meeting in February 2024. Milestones cited included:
- Entry into force of Security and Defence Partnerships with Japan and the Republic of Korea
- Conclusion of negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with Indonesia
- Signature of the EU–South Africa Clean Trade and Investment Partnership
- Mobilisation of nearly €300 million in new investment and budget support at the inaugural EU–Pacific Business Forum
- Ongoing EU support for the ASEAN Power Grid and multiple bilateral initiatives led by member states
A high-level side event focused on the protection of critical maritime infrastructure, particularly undersea cables. Participants agreed to explore a new structured EU–Indo-Pacific initiative to enhance cooperation on maritime infrastructure security in full compliance with UNCLOS.
Closing the Forum, Kallas reaffirmed the EU’s longstrike commitment: “Through Global Gateway flagship projects, free-trade agreements and expanding security partnerships, Europe will remain a reliable partner for sustainable growth and regional stability across the Indo-Pacific.”
The next EU–Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum is expected in 2027.
