Marcos to push for PH priorities at Asean-EU Summit in Brussels

Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. speaks during a change of command ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, Philippines, August 8, 2022. (File photo by EZRA ACAYAN / Pool via REUTERS)

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. vowed to push for the country’s priorities, particularly on trade, maritime cooperation and climate action at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-European Union (Asean-EU) summit to be held in Brussels, Belgium.

According to Marcos in his departure speech at the Villamor Airbase, this year’s summit marks the first meeting of Asean and EU leaders at the EU headquarters.

“In addition to pursuing Asean interest as country coordinator for the EU, I will always as certainly push for Philippine priorities within the context of the Asean-EU cooperation, particularly in post-pandemic economic recovery and trade, maritime cooperation and of course climate action,” said Marcos.

The member states will celebrate 45 years of Asean-EU relations during the summit and will hold discussions on issues concerning both regional organizations, which include global and regional security challenges, sustainable development and economic cooperation, among other things.

Marcos is then set to deliver remarks at the C-Suite Luncheon and the Asean-EU business summit.

“These events provide opportunity to drum up economic interest once again and engagement for the Philippines in view of the presence of key business leaders in Europe at the event,” said Marcos.

The President will also meet with King Philippe of Belgium, as well as hold bilateral meetings with some of his counterparts in Europe.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Assistant Secretary Daniel Espiritu on Friday said Marcos is expected to hold 10 bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Asean-EU summit.

The President is planning to meet with the leaders of Belgium, Estonia, the Czech Republic, Spain, Denmark, Germany, Poland, Finland, the Netherlands and the European Union, as well as the business community, and the Filipino community in Belgium.

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/MUF