The similarity in visions between the European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations on a number of important global issues provides an opportunity to continue cooperation beyond trade and economic relations on significant issues such as security, combating climate change, and sustainable development, President Rumen Radev told journalists in Brussels where he participates in the anniversary summit of the European Union - ASEAN.

It is the first time since the establishment of relations between the EU and ASEAN that a meeting in the format of heads of government and state of the countries of the two organisations is being held. President Radev noted that Bulgaria maintains traditional friendly relations with the ASEAN countries. I hope that today's meeting will provide an opportunity to deepen the dialogue at the top political level, which was hampered by the severe restrictions during the pandemic, the President added.

The summit in Brussels today is co-chaired by European Council President Charles Michel and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, in his capacity as rotating chair of ASEAN. The Forum provides an opportunity to reaffirm the strategic partnership between the EU and ASEAN established in 2020. At the summit, heads of state and government discuss important issues of common interest, including security challenges, connectivity, trade, building a green economy and food security.