Africa-Press – Angola. The Heads of State and Government of the European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations celebrate, this Wednesday, the first summit between the leaders of the two blocs, to commemorate the 45 years of diplomatic relations.
This unprecedented commemorative summit European Union (EU) – Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), taking place in Brussels, precedes what will be the last European Council of 2022, which the leaders of the 27 Member States of the community bloc will hold on Thursday -fair.
Also in the Belgian capital, and will be dominated by the war in Ukraine and the energy crisis, a bit like what happened throughout most of the year.
Before the 27th summit, European leaders will meet today with the Heads of State and Government of ASEAN countries, an organization that includes Brunei, Cambodia, Philippines, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar (formerly Burma), Singapore , Thailand and Vietnam.
ASEAN, seen as a strategic partner of the Union since 2020, is the third largest trading partner of the 27 outside Europe, after the United States and China.
The EU-ASEAN meeting provides us with an opportunity to exchange views on our strategic partnership and discuss important issues of common concern, including security challenges, connectivity, trade, green and digital transitions and food security.
The letter of invitation addressed this week by the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, to the 27 European capitals.
European diplomatic sources expressed their conviction that it will be possible to reach a compromise so that, in the final joint declaration, there is a defense of the territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine in the face of Russian military aggression.
Despite the fact that some of the countries that make up ASEAN have chosen to abstain in recent United Nations resolutions.
The summit, which will be held in the format of a plenary session with all member countries of the two organisations, will be co-chaired by Charles Michel and the ASEAN president in office this year, the Prime Minister of Cambodia, Hun Sen, and has scheduled start time at 13:30 local time (12:30 in Angola).
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