Brussels, Belgium
December 11-14, 2022
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. sets off on his first visit to Belgium to participate in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) – European Union (EU) Commemorative Summit in Brussels — the capital city of Belgium and the de facto capital of Europe itself.
The ASEAN-EU Commemorative Summit is a celebration of 45 years of ASEAN-EU relations since formally establishing diplomatic ties and becoming the regional bloc’s Dialogue Partner in 1977 based on shared values and principles such as rules-based international order, effective multilateralism, international law and fair trade. The two regional organizations elevated their longstanding relationship when they became Strategic Partners in 2020, committing to regular summits at a leaders level.
Upon the day of his arrival, President Marcos Jr. spends time with his fellow Filipinos in a community meeting in Brussels.
Aside from the Commemorative Summit, the highlights of his visit include his participation to the 10th ASEAN-EU Business Summit where ASEAN and EU Member States tackle EU’s interest in ASEAN trade, investment and digital economy. The Business Summit bears the theme, ‘Deepening ASEAN-EU Trade: Sustainable Development for All.’
With the Philippines assuming the role of Country Coordinator on ASEAN-EU dialogue relations from 2021 to 2024, President Marcos Jr. delivers his closing remarks in the C-Suite Luncheon for the Business Summit and on the Business Summit proper itself.
Likewise, he is expected to meet with business leaders of European multinational companies from different industries specializing in renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, navigation and shipbuilding, digital automation process, and commercial market development. The series of meetings with the European business community is expected to generate jobs and expanded trade investments in the Philippines.
President Marcos Jr. is also set to hold bilateral meetings with fellow Heads of State/Government from the EU to strengthen cooperation on defense, agriculture, digital technology and naval engineering, among other important topics.
The Chief Executive’s visit to Belgium serves as his first trip to a European nation since assuming the Presidency on June 30, 2022.
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