At the invitation of the EU Presidency, the IORA Secretary General, Dr Salman Al Farisi participated in the 3rd EU Indo Pacific Ministerial Forum, which was hosted by Mr. Josep Borrell Fontelles, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium on 2 February 2024.   

This marked the third consecutive invitation to Dr. Al Farisi, highlighting the growing importance of Strengthening Partnerships for a Shared Future for the EU with the IORA, stakeholders in the Indian Ocean region, ASEAN and countries of the Indo-Pacific region. 

 
In his intervention at the Shared Prosperity, Economic Resilience, and Investments roundtable, Dr. Al Farisi emphasised the potential of the blue economy as a key driver and the importance of building robust supply and value chains, promoting sustainable investment and trade, and supporting social protection as well as inclusive growth. 

 
Ahead of the Ministerial Forum, H.E Al Farisi engaged in Bilateral Meetings with Vietnamese Foreign Minister, Mr. Bui Thanh Son, and South African Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr. Alvin Botes.