KUALA LUMPUR: Trusted and independent news is what is required by the people, said a top diplomat.
In paying tribute to the work done by journalists worldwide, European Union ambassador to Malaysia, Michalis Rokas said the world recalls their important work to keep humankind safe with their news coverage, especially during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Since quality information is vital for our societies, we have to protect our journalists and values. This is why the EU is committed to free expression, to a free Press, to 'information as a public good', and fighting disinformation.
"We have to cherish these values that ensure not only the prosperity, but also the freedom of each individual to achieve their potential," he said in conjunction with the 'World Press Freedom Day' on Monday (May 3).
Rokas said on April 19, the EU announced its 'Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific' which was a major initiative representing a milestone for its foreign policy.
"This is the result of a long, evolving and fruitful internal debate. It encompasses economic and strategic interests along with elements of our soft power. This strategy not only advocates for freedom of navigation, but also for freedom of thought and of expression, which we celebrate today," he said.
The EU Indo-Pacific Strategy presents the common vision of our 27 European countries on the evolving debate on the Indo-Pacific, the economic and strategic centre of gravity of today's world.
It demonstrates the EU's recognition of the growing importance of the region and proposes avenues for deeper engagement, with an inclusive approach.
"As the Covid-19 pandemic is accelerating global trends, the strategy focuses on responses to the rising global challenges: connectivity, climate action, security, defence and hybrid threats.
"The public might not always recognise the EU's efforts to connect our continents and create opportunities for all. The perception gap matters, as connectivity is very much part of the geo-political landscape," said Rokas.
For example, he said, between 2013 and 2018, the EU provided €410 billion (RM 2 trillion) in official development assistance worldwide.
"The pandemic has reinforced the sense of how connected and interdependent we are in strategic domains. The European approach to connectivity emphasises rules, sustainability and local benefits and ownership," he said.
Back in 2019, the EU and Japan signed a 'Connectivity Partnership' and the EU is currently doing a lot to support Asean's own 'Masterplan on Connectivity'.
The new EU Indo-Pacific Strategy takes into account the EU's comprehensive relationship with partners in the Indo-Pacific, he said.
"The arguments for a stronger engagement are compelling. The Indo-Pacific is vital for EU's economic growth: it produces 60 per cent of global gross domestic product (GDP); it contributes two thirds of the current global growth."
"It hosts 60 per cent of the world population," said Rokas.
The statistics, he added, went both ways as the EU was a major economic partner for the region.
The EU is Asean's second largest partner after China and one of the largest investors, with foreign direct investment stock of €337 billion in 2017.
The Indo-Pacific is the second largest destination of EU exports with four out of ten of its largest trading partners in this region.
"We have a big stake in the region and have every interest that the regional architecture remains open and rules-based".
The current dynamics in the Indo-Pacific have given rise to intense geopolitical competition, putting a strain on trade, supply chains, and on technological, political and security issues.
"The EU is committed to secure, free and open maritime supply routes in the Indo-Pacific, in full compliance with international law, in particular the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), in the interest of all.
Our strategy is designed to support partners in the region to uphold regional stability and the international rules-based order," said Rokas.
He mentioned a recent statement made by the EU's spokesperson regarding the challenges to peace and stability in the South China Sea, which stressed EU's support for the Asean-led process towards an effective, substantive and legally binding 'Code of Conduct'. It urged all parties to pursue sincere efforts towards its finalisation.
"The EU Indo-Pacific Strategy is pragmatic, flexible and multi-faceted. It allows the EU to adapt and build its cooperation according to specific policy areas where partners can find common ground based on shared principles, values or mutual interest.
"This translates in a balanced position. It will especially engage with Asean-led regional architecture and with the Asia-EU Meeting (ASEM) process," said Rokas.
Asean is at the centre of the Indo-Pacific as well as at the centre of the EU's strategy for the region.
Asean, he said, was essential for the stability of the Indo-Pacific region.
"The EU and Asean have a distinguished record of accomplishment, built over 44 years of consistent economic, political and development engagement".
Over time, Asean has become an important engine of the global economy and an important dialogue platform between countries that sometimes disagree on economic, strategic or political matters.
"While the geopolitical tensions in the region are on the rise, this safe space for dialogue must remain open to ensure stability, peace and cooperation," he said.
Rokas added that the EU is committed to advancing its new strategic partnership with Asean, in which Malaysia plays an important role.
"This strengthened engagement reinforces the EU's enhanced engagement in Asia, where four of the EU's other strategic partners - China, Japan, India and Korea - are located.
"Malaysia's partnership and cooperation are essential in our perspective," he said.
As defined in Malaysia's Defence White Paper, Rokas said it is a maritime country with continental roots and the South China Sea was an important matter.
"As you know, 40 per cent of the global trade goes through the Straits of Malacca and 30 per cent through the South China Sea. The strategic importance of the Straits of Malacca for world trade and Asean's security could hardly be over-emphasised. They are the shortest East-West sea route," he said.
Rokas added that the EU saw important areas for closer cooperation with Malaysia and believed there was a need to extend the cooperation in many ways.
"In the coming months, I intend to have further interactions with my Malaysian counterparts, to hear their views and build them into our upcoming comprehensive policy document for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, which will follow in September this year.
"Freedom can come in many shapes and colours. "Safeguarding it is crucial, for all of us.
"This Indo-Pacific strategy is about freedom, peace and prosperity and the choices we make to preserve them," said Rokas.