DFA chief, G7 diplomats to tackle Indo-Pacific security

Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo will meet with his counterparts from seven industrialized nations during the expanded Group of Seven Ministerial Meeting in Italy next week, the DFA said yesterday.

-  PIA LEE-BRAGO

Manalo left for Italy yesterday to participate in the event slated on Nov. 25-26, upon the invitation of Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. Italy holds the rotating G7 presidency this year.

"Secretary Manalo is expected to exchange views on Indo-Pacific regional security with the foreign ministers of Italy, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States," the DFA said. The European Union is also represented at the G7 meetings.

During the visit, Manalo is also 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.