Secretary Manalo Addresses Counterparts at Expanded Session of G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Italy
ROME 04 December 2024 - Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo, for the first time, addressed his G7 counterparts and three other guest foreign ministers at the Expanded Session of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, on 26 November 2024 in Fiuggi, Italy. He was invited by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani of Italy, which holds this year’s G7 rotating presidency, to attend the Group’s session on the Indo-Pacific.
Secretary Manalo emphasized that the ”global community must take cognizance of the fact that bolstering a maritime order in the South China Sea anchored on UNCLOS is critically important to maintaining a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.” He spoke on how like-minded partners must work together, through appropriate activities and mechanisms, to uphold the international law and the rules-based international order based on the commitment to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and UNCLOS; to the freedom of navigation in and overflight above the South China Sea; to resolve territorial and jurisdictional disputes by peaceful means and not through the threat or use of force; and to exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes, thereby affecting the peace and stability of the region.
Secretary Manalo added that “ASEAN and ASEAN-led processes must also remain central to the regional security architecture in the Indo-Pacific.” He mentioned the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, and described how it could serve as a framework for actions to create peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
Following his remarks, Secretary Manalo exchanged views with the foreign ministers on current and emerging issues in the Indo-Pacific. He provided updates on the latest developments in the West Philippine Sea, and thanked the G7 and its member countries for their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The G7 foreign ministers highlighted the increased importance of the Indo-Pacific, emphasizing the need to maintain their strong connections with the region. Several ministers also shared the Philippines’ position on and actions in the South China Sea. They also underscored the need for increased economic cooperation with Indo-Pacific countries. These important concerns were reiterated in the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Statement released on 26 November 2024, which said “We are committed to upholding a free and open Indo-Pacific, based on the rule of law, which is inclusive, prosperous and secure, grounded on sovereignty, territorial integrity, peaceful resolution of disputes, fundamental freedoms and human rights.”
The G7, or the Group of Seven, is an informal network convening the countries of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the US, which together account for a tenth of the world’s population and a third of its economic output. The European Union (EU) also participates in the G7’s meetings.
This year’s Expanded Session on the Indo-Pacific of the G7 FMM invited the foreign ministers of the Philippines, India, Indonesia, and South Korea to address the Group. Discussions during the G7 FMM, and related meetings such as its expanded sessions, serve as important bases for further discussions at G7 Leaders’ Summits. The next G7 leaders’ summit is scheduled to take place in Kananaskis, Alberta in 2025, when Canada assumes the G7 presidency. END
