On May 13, in Stockholm (Sweden), the Ministerial Forum between the European Union (EU) and the Indo-Pacific region took place on strengthening partnership and promoting dialogue.
The forum was co-chaired by Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom and Vice President and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Commission (EC) Josep Borrell, with the participation of 27 Foreign Ministers/Heads of Delegations from EU countries and 26 countries in the Indo-Pacific region, representatives of several international organizations and other partners.
Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang led the Vietnamese delegation to attend the forum.
The forum is an opportunity for foreign ministers of EU countries and countries in the Indo-Pacific region to share and assess opportunities, challenges and prospects for cooperation between the two regions of Europe and the Indo-Pacific, thereby proposing ideas and solutions to strengthen connectivity and promote coordination between the two regions in solving common world issues.
The three main topics discussed at this year's forum include promoting sustainable and inclusive prosperity; seizing green growth opportunities and overcoming global challenges; and the changing security landscape in the Indo-Pacific.
In his opening speech at the forum, Vice President and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the EC Josep Borrell affirmed that peace, stability, prosperity and security in the Indo-Pacific region closely affect Europe's interests, therefore the EU wishes to increase its presence, strengthen partnerships with countries in the region, and commit to bringing about substantive cooperation achievements.
Mr. Josep Borrell expects the forum to become a regular dialogue channel, connecting Indo-Pacific countries and Europe.
Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom said that in the context of profound changes in the world situation, this is an important forum for the EU and Indo-Pacific countries to discuss deepening cooperation, and jointly shape and promote a common vision of sustainable, inclusive and resilient development.
During the discussion on prosperity, sustainability and inclusion, the heads of delegations acknowledged that the global economy is facing many major challenges. Accordingly, the heads of delegations discussed measures to promote economic recovery and sustainable growth, build flexible and diverse supply chains, promote the potential of the digital economy and narrow the digital gap.
The EU is actively promoting economic engagement with the Indo-Pacific region through the negotiation of additional free trade agreements and new digital economic partnerships and the implementation of inter-regional connectivity initiatives and frameworks such as the Global Gateway and the ASEAN-EU Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement.
The parties also discussed mechanisms for sharing experiences, exchanging experts, and providing financial support between the two regions to effectively grasp new economic development trends and enhance economic resilience.
Regarding green development opportunities and common challenges, the heads of delegations said that climate change and issues of environmental degradation, pollution and energy crisis are gradually becoming serious and vital challenges, and at the same time, opportunities for countries to adjust their development orientations; affirming their determination to work together to realize common global commitments such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and the Convention on Biological Diversity.
The forum also discussed specific measures to adapt to climate change, ensure the transition to a green economy is sustainable, inclusive and equitable; promote a circular economy, reduce plastic waste; promote clean energy transition while meeting increasing energy demand; emphasize the importance of cooperation in developing sustainable energy infrastructure, green finance, research and innovation, and deploying new, low-emission, sustainable technologies to expand and improve energy production efficiency.
Assessing the security situation in the Indo-Pacific, the heads of delegations shared the complex and multidimensional security challenges affecting the EU and the Indo-Pacific region, while affirming their commitment to the international order based on international law, in compliance with the United Nations Charter; and agreed to strengthen cooperation in responding to common challenges to ensure regional security and create a favorable environment for development.
Delegates highlighted the importance of maritime security cooperation, ensuring freedom of navigation and overflight in accordance with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in the seas of the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, including the East China Sea and the South China Sea.
The heads of delegations also discussed a number of potential areas of cooperation such as cybersecurity, misinformation management, and combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
Speaking at the forum, Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang said the global economy is at a key transition point, from quantity-based growth to quality growth, from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-based economy.
In the process of cooperation in transformation and joint response to global challenges, with the three keywords “Cooperation, Coordination and Connection,” countries need to have an appropriate approach to overcome differences, meet the needs of all parties, and create a favorable environment for businesses and people.
From Vietnam's experience in economic development and international integration, the Deputy Minister emphasized three "balanced" factors that need to be ensured.
First, balancing obligations and capabilities; accordingly, the common goal can only be achieved when implementation measures are adjusted to suit the conditions and development levels of countries.
Second, balance between autonomy, self-reliance and openness, integration and economic linkage. Domestic industrial policies should not increase protection and close markets, but should create more opportunities to restructure and innovate regional supply chains.
Third, balance between transformation and stability. Green transformation and digital transformation must ensure financial sustainability and social stability, energy security and food security. Environmental standards must not become trade barriers and create additional burdens for businesses.
The prerequisite for a successful green transition is access to finance, modern green technology and technical support. The Deputy Minister affirmed that Vietnam highly appreciates the financial commitment of European partners on climate change and hopes that Europe will continue to support Vietnam's efforts to achieve its emission reduction target.
Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang reaffirmed Vietnam's commitment to the Asia-Europe Partnership and proposed that countries work together to restore activities of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) for peace, cooperation and development./.
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