EU invites Marcos to visit Brussels for a meeting on foreign policy issues

The European Union (EU) has invited President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to visit its headquarters in Brussels, Belgium to discuss foreign policy issues and bilateral relations between the Philippines and the bloc. 

EU Council President Charles Michel extended the invitation to Marcos through a letter relayed by EU Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Véron who represented him and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the presidential inauguration on June 30.

“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,” said Michel.

He also expressed hope that Marcos would participate in the EU-ASEAN Commemorative Summit in Brussels scheduled for December.

Marcos currently has no scheduled engagements abroad, according to his press secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles on Monday.

The Philippines and the EU signed the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA), which provided an “enhanced legal framework," enabling both parties “to strengthen their bilateral relationship, in particular on political, social, and economic matters."

The intergovernmental organization also said it is “stepping up its strategic engagement with the Indo-Pacific region” as its “growing economic, demographic, and political weight makes it a key player in shaping the rules-based international order and in addressing global challenges."

“The Philippines and the European Union have common interests and values, which are a strong basis for a partnership, based on respect and mutual benefit and in pursuit of the effective implementation of the EU-PH Partnership and Cooperation Agreement,” said Véron. —VBL, GMA News