Representatives from several European nations and countries within the Indo-Pacific region convened in New York, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, to discuss pressing security concerns. The discussions, involving officials from Germany, Australia, France, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Poland and the United Kingdom, focused on “important matters of shared interest” according to a statement released by the German Foreign Office.
A joint declaration released following the meetings underscored the shared values, interests and principles binding the participating nations. These include open and fair trade, fundamental freedoms, the rule of law both domestically and internationally, democracy, sovereignty and human rights.
The declaration acknowledged a convergence of security challenges facing both Europe and the Indo-Pacific. These encompass areas such as maritime security, cybersecurity, hybrid threats, economic security, climate change and geopolitical uncertainties, compounded in Europe by ongoing armed conflict.
Recognizing the increasingly intertwined nature of peace, security and resilience in both regions, the participants affirmed their commitment to ongoing collaboration in addressing these shared challenges. The declaration emphasized the collective interest in fostering sustainable economic growth and prosperity, safeguarding peace, security and stability and reinforcing the international order based on the UN Charter and international law.