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European Union: We are sorry that we were not invited to the AUKUS talks

His regret that the European Union was not informed of the initiative AUKUS, expressed today from Brussels, the High Representative of the EU for foreign policy issues Josep Borrellstressing, at the same time, that it understands the dissatisfaction of the French Government.

“We want to know better what this agreement means. We’re sorry they did not inform us, where they did not call us to take part in these talks “, said Josep Borrell, during a press conference he gave to present the Union’s strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

Borrell stressed that recent events prove how much important is the cooperation of the EU “This new alliance underscores the importance of the Indo-Pacific region for our security and our financial capabilities.”

“I know her frustration of the French Government and I agree with the French Foreign and Defense Ministers on the need to strengthen the EU presence. “in the Indo-Pacific to defend its interests,” Borel added.

Asked about the impact of the AUKUS alliance on EU relations with USA, the head of European diplomacy replied that “we must not start questioning the Union’s relations with the United States, which have greatly improved with the new administration».

He added that it was not the right time to assess transatlantic relations, saying: “Let us not confuse pears with apples. We want to strengthen our cooperation with the Indo-Pacific countries, as well as with Australia, and we will not act ad-hoc, due to individual events like the ones we heard today. EU negotiations with Australia on a free trade agreement will continue. “

In addition, Mr Borel presented today strategy of the EU on cooperation with the Indo-Pacific countries, saying: “The global center of gravity is moving towards the Indo-Pacific, both geo-economically and geopolitically. The future of the EU is intertwined with that of the Indo-Pacific. In this region, the EU is already the leading investor, the main development partner and one of the largest trading partners. “Our commitment is to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific for all, while building strong and long-term partnerships for cooperation on issues ranging from green transition, ocean governance or digital security to security and defense.”

The European Union’s Indo-Pacific strategy includes, inter alia, completion of commercial negotiations with Australia, Indonesia and New Zealand and the resumption of trade negotiations with India. It also includes concluding partnership agreements and cooperation with Malaysia and Thailand, concluding green alliances to combat climate change, to strengthen it ocean governance, its expansion digital network partnerships and enhanced naval presence of the Member States of the Union.

The AUKUS agreement is on the agenda of the October Summit

The security summit between the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom is expected to be discussed at the October Summit, the President of the European Council said in a post later.

In particular, o Charles Michel stated that “the AUKUS security partnership further demonstrates the need for a common EU approach. in an area of ​​strategic interest. A strong EU strategy for the Indo-Pacific area is needed more than ever. I welcome today’s presentation of Josef Borrell’s strategy. On the agenda of the October European Council “.

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