EU invites Marcos to visit Brussels, discuss bilateral ties

FILE: President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. at the PSG Grandstand in Malacañang Park, July 4, 2022. OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

MANILA– The European Union (EU) has invited President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to visit Brussels and discuss the bilateral relations between the Philippines and the bloc.

In a letter to Marcos, European Council President Charles Michel, who was not able to attend the inauguration, said: “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 (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) ties, and wider foreign policy issues, to our support for the rules-based international order”.

The EU delegation in Manila on Tuesday said the invitation was also personally relayed by EU Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Véron when he represented Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the presidential inauguration.

“The Philippines and the EU 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-Philippines Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA),” said Véron.

The said PCA entered into force in March 2018, further expanding the longstanding ties between the two partners on political, social, and economic matters.

Meanwhile, the EU also expressed hope that Marcos would participate in the upcoming EU-Asean Commemorative Summit in Brussels in December 2022.