DFA chief to represent PH in G7 meet in Italy

Metro Manila, Philippines — Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo is set to travel to Italy to represent the Philippines at the expanded Group of Seven (G7) Ministerial Meeting on November 25-26, 2024.

The bloc groups Italy, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Italy holds the G7 presidency this year. The European Union also participates in G7 meetings.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement that Secretary Manalo is expected to discuss Indo-Pacific regional security with his counterparts from the G7 nations.

“During this visit, Secretary Manalo is scheduled to meet with Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States. Meetings with senior Italian officials to discuss bilateral cooperation are being arranged,” the DFA added.

The G7 has been vocal about the situation in the South China Sea. Earlier this year, the bloc expressed "serious concern" over Beijing's actions in the disputed waters, particularly its use of coast guard and maritime militia.

In a joint statement, the G7 condemned China's use of water cannons and dangerous maneuvers targeting Philippine vessels.

“We continue to oppose China’s dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia in the South China Sea and its repeated obstruction of countries’ high seas freedom of navigation. We express serious concern about the increasing use of dangerous maneuvers and water cannons against Philippine vessels in this regard,” the statement read.

The G7 also reiterated its position that China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea have no legal basis, denouncing the militarization of the area.

The two-day ministerial meeting will focus on global and regional security issues, economic challenges, and international cooperation, with particular attention to developments in the Indo-Pacific region.