Vice President Ansari to highlight menace of global terror at ASEM in Belgium

Brussels (Belgium), Oct.3 (ANI): Vice President Ansari said on Sunday that terrorism will be high on India's agenda, as he will underline the need for considerable and sustainable international efforts to stop global terrorism, during the 8th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) that begins on Monday.

Vice President Ansari arrived here at the Military airport on a two-day visit to Belgium for the 8th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) on Sunday evening.

He was received by the Indian Ambassador to Belgium Dr Jemini Bhagwati at the airport and given salute by the in-charge of Military airport Colonel Peter Lepez.

During on board briefing, Vice President Ansari said, "At the ASEM 8 Summit, terrorism will be high on our agenda and we want considerable and sustainable international efforts to stop the global terrorism."

"There was global concern on sea piracy and Indian Navy was very active in Western Arabian Sea to stop the pirates menace," he said.

The Vice President is scheduled to address the summit on the opening day on Monday where he is likely to highlight issues related to effective financial and economic governance.

Ansari's address will be followed by his bilateral engagements with the President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy and Prime Minister of Finland Ms. Mari Kiviniem.

He will also meet Belgium Prime Minister Yves Leterme and other leaders.

Meanwhile, the theme of the two-day summit is 'Achieving Greater well being for all Citizens'.

The meet 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.

At the summit, representatives of 48 countries spanning the two continents will deliberate on various issues, including financial governance and safety of sea-lanes.

Ansari is accompanied by his wife Salma and senior officials from the Ministry of External Affairs.

The capital of Belgium, Brussels is also the administrative centre of the European Union. By Mrityunjay Singh (ANI)