Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 28) — European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is set to fly to the Philippines next week, marking a first official visit of a top official from the commission in nearly six decades, the Palace said.
In a statement on Thursday, the Presidential Communications Office said von der Leyen is scheduled to visit the country from July 30 to August 1.
Malacañang said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is “pleased to welcome” von der Leyen’s official visit.
“This will be the first visit of a European Commission President in the nearly 60 years of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and the EU,” it said.
This came after Marcos invited the official during their meeting in Brussels during the ASEAN-EU Commemorative Summit in December last year.
The Palace also expressed optimism that the official visit would lead to “even closer” Philippine-EU ties, especially as they boost cooperation in economy, development, maritime, climate and environment, and digital connectivity, to name a few.
Von der Leyen is also expected to meet other government officials, as well as business and civic groups.
In a separate statement, the EU said von der Leyen will have discussions with Marcos on “trade, investment, and Global Gateway cooperation,” with the latter described as a strategy seeking “to address partner countries’ infrastructure needs while addressing the most pressing global challenges.”
