The European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meet for their first summit on December 14 to deepen economic ties, with European leaders pressing for firm, shared language critical of Russia, Report informs referring to Reuters.
The leaders of 27 EU countries and nine of 10 ASEAN leaders have been invited to a commemoration of 45 years of diplomatic relations. Military-ruled Myanmar has been excluded.
The leaders are set to discuss areas of future cooperation, including trade, the green and digital transitions and health. The two blocs have already signed a deal to allow their airlines to expand services more easily.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is set to commit 10 billion euros ($10.6 billion) of public funds to 2027 for investment in projects in ASEAN, such as in renewable energy and sustainable agriculture.