EU anticipates Marcos’ attendance in EU-ASEAN Commemorative Summit

By Jennylou D. Canon

PHOTO: Philippine News Agency

After inviting President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to Brussels, the European Union (EU) is hoping that Marcos Jr. will attend the EU-ASEAN Commemorative Summit in Brussels this December 2022.

The summit will mark the 45th partnership anniversary of ASEAN and the EU and will likely cover talks on the Indo-Pacific Strategy, which was recognized in 2021, and the EU-ASEAN Strategic Partnership, which elevated the partnership in December 2020.

Prior to the EU-ASEAN Strategic Partnership, the EU and the Philippines had entered a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement early 2018, which allowed both parties to strengthen affairs and discuss issues on maritime, customs, trade, and other fields.

Marcos Jr. had earlier received an invitation to Brussels for a meeting with the European Council President Charles Michel for they “have much to discuss.”

“I would, however, like to extend an invitation to you to come to Brussels at a mutually convenient time. We have much to discuss, from our bilateral relations, EU-ASEAN ties and wider foreign policy issues, to our support for the rules-based international order,” Michel said in a letter delivered by EU Ambassador Luc Veron during Marcos’ inauguration.

Edited by Danfe Lean Grace R. Elopre