President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. highlighted the Philippines’ new role as country coordinator for the dialogue between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the European Union (EU) at the ASEAN-EU Commemorative Summit to be held in Brussels, Belgium from December 12-14, 2022.

The Commemorative Summit, which celebrates 45 years of ASEAN-EU relations, will be the first meeting between ASEAN and EU member state leaders. Pressing issues on global and regional security, sustainable development, and economic cooperation will be discussed during the meetings.

As the country coordinator for the ASEAN until 2024, President Marcos, Jr. assured the public that he will push for Philippine priorities—particularly in post-pandemic recovery, trade, maritime cooperation, and climate action.

Alongside the Summit events, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno will join the President’s delegation to meet with the Filipino communities in Belgium and Luxembourg and engage with the European business community in a series of talks. 

The PH-EU Business Roundtable aims to discuss ways to foster growing trade and investment ties between the Philippines and EU member states. This will be followed by the PH-EU Business Networking Event, which will allow the Philippine delegation to engage in more practical business introductions and discussions with prospective European investors.  

President Marcos, Jr. departed the country with a reassuring word that he will continue to champion Philippine interests throughout the Summit.

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