LISBON, Portugal (via PLDT) –
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo called on Tuesday for strong relations between the
European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) for the mutual
benefit of the two regional groupings.
The President, chair of Asean this
year, batted for stronger ties between EU and Asean in separate meetings with Portuguese
Prime Minister Jaime Gama and Portuguese President Anibal Cavaco Silva.
She first met with the Portuguese
minister Tuesday morning at the San Bento Palace and later in the afternoon she was
received by President Anibal Cavaco Silva at the Palacio de Belem.
Press Undersecretary Isabel de Leon
told media members accompanying the President in her two-nation European trip that the
three leaders discussed a wide range of issues, including the Mindanao peace process,
renewable energy, maritime concerns and Asean’s call on other EU member-countries to
follow the lead of France, which has acceded to the Asean Treaty of Amity and Cooperation.
The President arrived in Lisbon
Monday on a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, renew the historic ties
between the Philippines and Portugal and discuss with top Portuguese leaders various
issues of mutual interest to the two countries.
"I hope the presidency of
Portugal in the European Union will move forward your relations not only with Brazil but
also with Asean," the President told Prime Minister Gama.
Portugal will assume the EU
presidency next month.
For his part, the Portuguese Premier
agreed that it is "important for EU to build strong relations with Asia because the
growing economies are in that region." (full story) released 06 Jun 2007 |
