NEW DELHI: (AMN) Vice-President Mohammed Hamid Ansari left for Brussels this morning to take part in the 8th Asia-Europe Summit (ASEM-8) which opens in the Belgian capital tomorrow. A high level official delegation is also accompanying the Vice President to the Summit.
The biennial meet brings together leaders of 46 Asian and European countries for a dialogue on a wide range of issues ranging from terrorism, human rights, financial governance and sustainable development. The summit is expected to help create better awareness and understanding among the Asian and European countries and provide stimulus for more concrete cooperation. India sees ASEM as a significant forum to improve bilateral and multilateral relationships. Vice President Mohammed Hamid Ansari, will address the opening session of the summit tomorrow followed by bilateral engagements with various leaders. The Summit could also help to bring down differences relating to the Free Trade Agreement between India and the European Union, for which negotiations are expected to conclude before early December.