The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu today left for Belgium to attend the two-day 12^th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) in Brussels.

The theme of the ASEM Summit is ‘Global Partners for Global Challenges’.

The bi-annual event is considered the highest platform for dialogue and cooperation between Asia and Europe in the areas of trade, investment, security and tourism. As many as 51 Heads of States/ Heads of Government are expected to participate in the Summit where a wide range of issues from climate change to terrorism are expected to be discussed.

This will be the first multi-lateral summit the Vice President will be attending after taking office in August 2017.

The Vice President will also participate in the Plenary Session and have interactions with various stakeholders. He will also call on His Majesty, the King of the Belgians and have bilateral meetings with the Heads of State / Government from Austria, Portugal, Switzerland and other countries on the sidelines of the Summit.

The Vice President will also address the Indian Diaspora at the Jain Culture Centre in Wilrijk, Antwerp and pay respects and offer floral tribute at a sculpture of Mahatma Gandhi located in the Governorate at Antwerp.

The Vice President will return to India on October 21.

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AKT/BK/MS/RK