Vice President Ansari to attend 'Eight Asia-Europe Summit' at Brussels

New Delhi, Oct 1 (ANI): Vice President Mohammed Hamid Ansari will leave for Brussels on Sunday to take part in the 'Eight Asia-Europe Summit' (ASEM-8).

The two-day meet on October 4 and 5 brings together 48 Asian and European partners for an informal dialogue on a wide range of issues ranging from terrorism, human rights, weapons of mass destruction, financial and economic governance and sustainable development.

Vice President Ansari will address the summit on the opening day on October 4 followed by bilateral engagements with the President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy and the Prime Minister of Belgium, Yves Leterme and other political leaders.

"India considers ASEM as a valuable forum for bilateral and multilateral cooperation particularly for trade and investment facilitations," said Ministry of External Affairs Secretary-East Latha Reddy, while briefing the media on the visit of the Vice President here today.

The Brussels meet is the second summit level participation by India.

The theme of the Eight Asia-Europe Summit is 'Achieving Greater well being for all Citizens'.

It has been reported that a Chair statement and a statement on 'Effective Global Governance' are expected to be issued at the conclusion of the Summit on October 5. (ANI)