Lecture on “The EU in the Indo-Pacific

The Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organised a lecture titled "The EU in the Indo-Pacific: A Committed Partner for Stability, Prosperity and Peace" on 31 March 2022 at the BIISS Auditorium.

The lecture featured Mr Gabriele Visentin, the European Union's Special Envoy for the Indo-Pacific, as the Guest Speaker. The event brought together senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, policymakers, academics, researchers, military officials, media representatives, students, and members of think tanks and international organisations to discuss the European Union's strategic engagement in the Indo-Pacific region and its implications for regional peace, security, and development.

In his lecture, Mr Gabriele Visentin outlined the European Union's vision for the Indo-Pacific, emphasising the region's growing strategic importance in the global political and economic landscape. He highlighted the EU's commitment to promoting a free, open, inclusive, prosperous, and rules-based Indo-Pacific founded on respect for international law, effective multilateralism, freedom of navigation, and peaceful settlement of disputes.

The Guest Speaker stressed that the EU seeks to strengthen partnerships with countries across the Indo-Pacific through enhanced cooperation in trade and investment, sustainable connectivity, maritime security, climate action, digital transformation, renewable energy, public health, and scientific and technological innovation. He also underscored the importance of resilient supply chains, economic diversification, and collaborative approaches to addressing emerging security challenges, including cyber security, climate change, and transnational threats.

The lecture highlighted Bangladesh's growing strategic significance in the Indo-Pacific and explored opportunities for expanding Bangladesh–European Union cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Participants discussed prospects for deeper engagement in economic development, sustainable infrastructure, blue economy, climate resilience, higher education, research collaboration, and regional connectivity.

The programme concluded with an engaging interactive discussion session, during which participants raised insightful questions and shared valuable comments, suggestions, and observations on the evolving Indo-Pacific strategic environment and the European Union's role in promoting regional stability, prosperity, and peace. The event reaffirmed BIISS's commitment to fostering informed dialogue on emerging geopolitical and strategic issues through meaningful engagement with distinguished international policymakers and experts.