ASEM Summit begins in Brussels

The 12th Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit began in the Belgian capital Brussels last evening with the arrival of around 51 Heads of States from the European and Asian countries including India. 

The summit, hosted by the European Union, is being chaired by the President of the European Council, President Donald Tusk of Poland.

Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, who is the leading the Indian delegation, took part in the opening ceremony of the summit last evening. 

Earlier in the day, Mr Naidu called on the Belgian King at the Royal City Palace. 

Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu held bilateral meetings with the Prime Minister of Greece (Alexis Tsipras) and Portugal (Antonio Costa) last evening and discussed bilateral matters with both the leaders and shared India's commitment and perspective on the



global concerns and issues. 

Vice President had a wide-ranging discussion with both the leaders on the expectations from the 2018 ASEM Summit centred on the theme of "Global Partners for Global Challenges". 

Mr Naidu is scheduled to participate in the theme based two Plenary Sessions today. 

Last evening, he attended the Opening Ceremony at Europa Building followed by his participation in the Round Table Special Session with the stakeholders. 

Mr Naidu will address the Indian Diaspora at Jain Cultural Centre and offer floral tribute at a sculpture of Mahatma Gandhi at Antwerp in Brussels. 

He will also hold a meeting with prominent Persons of Indian Origin and CEOs of Belgium before concluding his tour tomorrow.