UAE Engages In Fourth EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum To Enhance Economic Cooperation

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) engaged in the Fourth EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum held in Brussels from 20 to 21 November. The event, themed ‘Building together a resilient, prosperous and secure future’, gathered leaders and senior officials from 64 countries across Europe and the Indo-Pacific. Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of State, represented the UAE at this significant meeting.

During the forum, Al Kaabi participated in the opening session where EU High Representative Kaja Kallas spoke. She also joined a roundtable on ‘Shared prosperity, economic security, and digital connectivity’. Al Kaabi emphasised the UAE’s strategic position connecting Europe and the Indo-Pacific. She highlighted the need for balanced frameworks that promote growth, protect supply chains, and enhance digital infrastructure.

Al Kaabi stressed that many Indo-Pacific and Pacific Island nations face increased vulnerability to external challenges. She pointed out that inclusive economic cooperation is vital for sustainable development. Initiatives like the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) were cited as examples of how connectivity can strengthen global trade routes, modernise logistics, and secure digital networks.

On the sidelines of the forum, Al Kaabi met with senior officials from Pacific Island countries and Indo-Pacific partners. These included foreign ministers and high-level representatives from Tuvalu, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Fiji, Vanuatu, and European counterparts. Discussions centred on cooperation in climate resilience, digital connectivity, mobility, and multilateral engagement.

The UAE reaffirmed its commitment to working with partners across both regions to support vulnerable economies. Al Kaabi expressed readiness to enhance maritime and digital links while advancing shared priorities in sustainable growth and economic security. The forum served as a crucial platform for strengthening dialogue between Europe and the Indo-Pacific.

The Fourth EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum underscored the UAE’s dedication to constructive international cooperation. It highlighted its role in promoting stability and development across both regions. By participating actively in discussions on connectivity, economic development, and regional stability, the UAE demonstrated its commitment to fostering collaboration among nations.

With inputs from WAM