EU to strengthen strategic presence in Indo-Pacific, names Bangladesh a key partner
The EU pledged to reinforce its role as a reliable actor, adding value to long‑standing relations with partners across the region
The European Union (EU) has described Bangladesh as a key partner in the Bay of Bengal and the wider Indo-Pacific, amid rising regional security challenges.
In a policy document shared by the EU Embassy in Dhaka, the Council of the European Union highlighted the need for the EU to strengthen its strategic focus, presence, visibility, and actions in the Indo-Pacific.
The Council emphasised that such engagement should promote joint stability, security, prosperity, and sustainable development, anchored in democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and international law.
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The EU pledged to reinforce its role as a reliable partner, building on longstanding relations in the region, where it maintains a presence through its outermost regions and overseas territories. The Council reaffirmed its commitment to a closely coordinated political presence of the EU and its Member States across the Indo-Pacific.
Highlighting past achievements, the Council pointed to three successful EU-Indo-Pacific Ministerial Fora, held in Paris (2022), Stockholm (2023), and Brussels (2024), and looks forward to the fourth forum on 20–21 November in Brussels, which will serve as a platform for strategic engagement with partners in both regions.
The EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, launched in September 2021, continues to provide a robust framework for EU engagement, covering a region stretching from the east coast of Africa to the Pacific islands. Significant progress has been made across seven priority areas, with particular focus on security and defence, the green and digital transition, and trade and economic security.
The Council also reiterated its concern over developments in Afghanistan and Myanmar, and reaffirmed its commitment to achieving a just and lasting peace in the Middle East based on a two-state solution.
According to the EU, the Ministerial Fora offer a unique platform for strategic dialogue, reflecting the shared interest of the EU and Indo-Pacific partners in fostering practical cooperation, enhancing security, prosperity, and resilience, and laying the foundations for an increasingly ambitious partnership.
