Brussels, Nov 21 (AHN) Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Secretary (West) Sibi George attended the inaugural session of the 4th European Union (EU) Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in Brussels.

During the event, he held discussions with world leaders, including the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, as well as the Foreign Ministers of Cyprus, Maldives, Somalia, and Tuvalu.

“Secretary(West) Sibi George participated in the inaugural gathering of the 4th EU Indo Pacific Ministerial Forum in Brussels today. Exchanged views with EU HRVP Kaja Kallas, and Foreign Ministers of Cyprus, Maldives, Somalia, and Tuvalu,” the MEA posted on X on Friday.

The EU is hosting the fourth EU-Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum, scheduled from November 20- 21 in Brussels. The forum brings together the EU, its member states and partners from the East coast of Africa to the Pacific islands.

At the 4th Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum, the EU and Indo-Pacific partners would discuss building a resilient, prosperous and secure future, in support of the rules-based international order, free trade and the principles of the United Nations Charter.

Since the beginning of the EU Indo-Pacific Strategy in 2021, EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forums are an important platform to lay the groundwork for deeper ties, stronger partnerships and greater cooperation and collaboration between the EU and Indo-Pacific nations.

George also met Belen Martinez Carbonell, Secretary-General of the European External Action Service (EEAS) at the EU headquarters in Brussels.

Both sides discussed the robust momentum in the India-EU partnership and reviewed progress on the Joint India-EU Comprehensive Strategic Agenda ahead of the upcoming India-EU Summit.

“Secretary (West) Sibi George had a productive meeting with Belen Martinez Carbonell, Secretary-General of the European External Action Service (EEAS) at the EU headquarters in Brussels. Discussed the strong momentum in India-EU Strategic Partnership. Briefed her on the extensive consultations with EEAS on foreign policy and security and the strategic partnership review. Reviewed work on the Joint India-EU Comprehensive Strategic Agenda in the run up to the next India-EU Summit,” the MEA posted on X.