Welcome to the 4th OPEC International Seminar 2009

HE Abdalla Salem El-Badri, Secretary General, OPEC

Dear colleagues and friends,

I am delighted to welcome you to the website of the 4th OPEC International Seminar, which is themed "Petroleum: Future Stability and Sustainability".

As you are aware, economic and financial events over the last 18 months - from the global financial crisis to the volatility seen in the international oil markets - have indicated the need for enhanced dialogue on the long-term prospects of the petroleum industry and how it can continue to support the world economy.

Working to find ways to ensure the stabilization of global oil markets has always been one of OPEC's principal aims. With this year's International Seminar, our guest speakers and participants, all accomplished persons in their respective fields, will discuss the role petroleum will play in the development of emerging economies, as well as the realization of the Millennium Development Goals in an increasingly carbon-constrained world.

Because of the importance of these themes, as well as the importance of petroleum for the continued development and growth of the global economy, we believe the upcoming International Seminar is of paramount importance to us all.

I look forward to welcoming you to the magnificent Vienna Hofburg Palace on 18-19 March 2009.

Abdalla Salem El-Badri
Secretary General
OPEC