UK PM Rishi Sunak delivered his first foreign policy speech at the Lord Mayor's Banquet in London on Monday night after taking office last month.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Monday reiterated the United Kindom's commitment to a free trade agreement (FTA) with India as a part of the country's wider focus on boosting ties with the Indo-Pacific region, according to news agency PTI. repeated.
Sunak delivered his first foreign policy speech since taking office at 10 Drawing Street last month at the Lord Mayor of London's banquet on Monday night.
During his speech, the Prime Minister also reflected on his legacy and commitment to promoting British values of freedom and openness around the world. When it came to China, he vowed to do things differently and said it was a systematic challenge to British values and interests.
"Before joining politics, I had invested in businesses around the world. And the opportunity in the Indo-Pacific is compelling," Sunak was quoted as saying by PTI.
"By 2050, the Indo-Pacific will provide more than half of global growth, compared to just a quarter of Europe and North America combined. With Indonesia following closely behind," he said.
He further said he wanted to develop the UK approach as he moved his government away from the slogan used by the previous Conservative Party-led government to describe UK-China bilateral relations seven years ago.
"Let's be clear, the so-called 'golden age' is over, along with the naïve idea that trade will lead to social and political reform. Our values and interests, a challenge that grows more acute as it moves towards more authoritarianism," he cautioned, reported PTI.
Sunak also confirmed that further details on the UK's foreign policy approach will be put forward in the new year in an updated 'integrated review', which will also involve closer cooperation with the Commonwealth.
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