Foreign relations of Belgium
Belgium is a country in Europe and member of major international organizations like the European Union and NATO which are both headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.
Belgium portal |
As a federal state, the Communities and Regions have their own foreign relations and are able to conclude treaties themselves.
Initial neutrality
Because of its location at the crossroads of Western Europe, Belgium has historically been the route of invading armies from its larger neighbours. With virtually defenceless borders, Belgium has traditionally sought to avoid domination by the more powerful nations which surround it through a policy of mediation. The Concert of Europe sanctioned the creation of Belgium in 1831 on the condition that the country remain strictly neutral.
This policy of neutrality ended after the experience of German occupation during World War I. In the years preceding World War II, Belgium tried to return to a policy of neutrality, but once again, Germany invaded the country. In 1948, Belgium signed the Treaty of Brussels with the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, and one year later became one of the founding members of the Atlantic Alliance.
European integration
The Belgians have been strong advocates of European integration, and most aspects of their foreign, economic, and trade policies are coordinated through the European Union (EU), which has its main headquarters (the European Commission, the Council of the European Union and sessions of the European Parliament) in Brussels. Belgium's postwar customs union with the Netherlands and Luxembourg paved the way for the formation of the European Community (precursor to the EU), of which Belgium was a founding member.
Likewise, the Benelux abolition of internal border controls was a model for the wider Schengen Accord, which today is integrated in the acquis communautaire and aims at common visa policies and free movement of people across common borders. At the same time the Belgians, perceiving their diminutive role on the international scene, are strong advocates of strengthening economic and political integration within the EU. Belgium actively seeks improved relations with the new democracies of central and eastern Europe through such fora as the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, EU association agreements, and NATO's Partnership for Peace with the former Warsaw Pact countries and several others.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
Belgium remains a strong proponent of NATO. It cooperates closely with the United States within the alliance framework, in addition to supporting European defense efforts through the Western European Union (WEU). Both NATO (since 1966) and the EU have their headquarters in Brussels; SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe) is in the south of the country, near Mons. Since January 1993, the WEU has been headquartered in Brussels.
Belgium and NATO
Belgium has been one of the strongest supporters of NATO since the inception of the alliance in 1949. Having suffered through two invasions in two world wars, Belgium was aware of its security needs and the limitations of its means for self-defense. As a result, the leaders of that nation began calling for the formation of a defensive alliance shortly after the liberation of Belgium at the end of World War II. In March 1948 Belgium joined with France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Britain in an agreement to establish a joint defense system. This agreement, known as the Treaty of Brussels, was a recognition that individual national responses to the threat of aggression were inadequate and that a united defense effort was necessary for mutual security.
In 1948, after expressions of concern by several European states that the Treaty of Brussels was too limited in scope and effectiveness, the prime minister of Canada called for a mutual defense system comprising Western Europe and North America. On 4 April 1949, the foreign minister of Belgium joined with representatives from Britain, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and the United States in signing the treaty forming NATO. Greece and Turkey became members in 1952, West Germany joined the alliance in 1955, and Spain became a member in 1982. The treaty established NATO as a multilateral political alliance that binds its members to obligations of mutual defense and economic cooperation.
During the Cold War, Belgium's major NATO roles included: (1) participating in the defense of the central European region by air-land defense of an army corps area in the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG); (2) military defense of its national territory and its immediate sea approaches, and the organization, defense and support of allied Lines of Communication (LOC); and (3) maintaining a mobile Belgian task force with a land component issued from a para-commando regiment and an air transport command.
Belgium has influenced the alliance policy in many ways. One of the country's most prominent international statesmen, Paul Henri Spaak, served as secretary general of NATO from 1957 to 1961. When France withdrew from the military operations of NATO in 1966, the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe was transferred to Mons, in a rural area southwest of Brussels. Six months later, the organization's political headquarters was also relocated to Brussels.
In 1967 the North Atlantic Council formally adopted a proposal, formulated by Belgian foreign minister Pierre Harmel, that altered the nature of NATO policy. The Harmel plan called for NATO to be partially transformed from an entirely defensive system to one designed to encourage East-West détente and increased political consultation among the members of the alliance. By the late 1970s, however, the optimistic policy of East- West rapprochement had deteriorated. Arms control negotiations were not achieving results, and the NATO countries became increasingly concerned about the Soviet military buildup.
In December 1979 the members of NATO decided to modernize the Europe-based United States nuclear arsenal by deploying 572 new ground-launched missile systems in Western Europe that were capable of reaching the Soviet Union. The deployment would consist of 108 Pershing II ballistic missiles and 464 BGM-109G Ground Launched Cruise Missiles (GLCM), all armed with single nuclear warheads. The missiles were to be deployed in five countries: the Pershing IIs and some cruise missiles in West Germany and cruise missiles only in Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, and Belgium. The NATO allies also agreed to attempt negotiations with the Soviet Union in order to limit further nuclear deployment in Europe. The NATO decision was an integrated, or dual-track, approach involving both modernization and arms control negotiation.
During the consultations that preceded the NATO decision, the Belgian coalition government was described as supportive of the proposed missile deployment. The NATO ministers expected the government to endorse the proposal and accept the missile deployment on Belgian territory. Domestic opposition, especially from the Dutch-speaking Socialist Party Differently (SF), however, caused the government to condition its support for the deployment policy. Belgium endorsed the decision to modernize the nuclear capability of NATO but wavered on its applicability to Belgian territory. The government was unable to concentrate fully on the issue of deployment in 1979 because of its preoccupation with linguistic and economic issues.
In September 1980, however, the government issued an ambiguous "non-decision" that allowed supporters and opponents of deployment to claim victory. Belgian acceptance was linked to progress in the Intermediate Nuclear Force (INF), negotiations being conducted by the United States and NATO with the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact. If the negotiations did not succeed in lessening tensions between the states, then Belgium would, "in concert with its Allies, take all the measures agreed upon by the NATO partners (in 1979)," i.e., would allow the missiles to be stationed on Belgian territory. There would also be semiannual review of this 1980 policy until a firm decision could be made.
The SP continued to be the political group most strongly opposed to deployment. It made opposition to deployment one of its reasons for participating in the government, and its leaders have made a considerable political investment in the issue. The leader of the SP, Karel Van Miert, saw the initial NATO decision as an example of overwhelming American pressure on the Europeans and stressed that deployment in Belgium be linked to a possible INF agreement with the Soviet Union. However, the underlying rationale for opposition by the SF may have been lack of economic gain to the Dutch-speaking areas of Belgium.
The opposition may also have been mounted as a reaction to the strong anti-nuclear sentiment in neighboring countries, namely, the Netherlands and West Germany. The French-speaking Socialist Party (PS) has not seriously opposed deployment. The lack of PS opposition may have been positively influenced by the economic benefits to Wallonia that would result from deployment in that region.
Because of the fragility of coalition politics, as well as the continued economic strain in late 1984, the Belgian government was still unable to make a firm decision on cruise missile deployment. It has nonetheless taken initial steps to implement the plan, including the selection and construction of a site for the missiles at Florennes. A large number of Belgian officials continued to support the NATO dual-track decision and stressed Belgian willingness to counteract any increased Soviet threat to Western Europe. Nevertheless, in late 1984 it seemed likely that the government would continue to postpone a final decision as long as possible.
The approval of the 1983 Belgian decision to accept Ground Launched Cruise Missiles (GLCM) at Florennes, Belgium, and its subsequent implementation, was a highly political and controversial issue. During the negotiations, however, there was never a question of Belgium's support for the NATO alliance. Indeed, when the time came to act, Prime Minister Wilfried Martens announced in March 1985 his government's final agreement to the installation of the missiles.
Despite some opposition, Belgium generally supported the NATO modernization programs for air defense and intermediate-range nuclear weapons. Ground-launched cruise missiles were assigned to a base in Florennes in the province of Namur and were expected to be operational by early 1985; however, the final decision on Belgian acceptance of the missiles was subject to domestic political considerations. In late 1984, improvements in the air defense system were subject to intense debate; decisions to upgrade the existing defense system were based on economic, not military, considerations.
Subregional integration with the Netherlands and Luxembourg
Belgium has been involved in (sub)regional integration since the first half of the 20th century, first with the Belgium-Luxembourg Economic Union, founded in 1925, and then, since 1944, with the Netherlands and Luxembourg in the Benelux.
Belgium's federalism and international relations
A peculiar feature of Belgian federalism is the fact that the country's Communities and Regions maintain their own international relations, including the conclusion of treaties. Thus, there are a number of bilateral Dutch-Flemish international institutions, such as the Dutch Language Union or the institutions for the control of the river Scheldt, in which only Flanders takes part. Likewise, only the French Community of Belgium takes part in La Francophonie. For instance, UNV's Online Volunteering service received a financial contribution from the Federal Public Service (FPS) Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation of the Kingdom of Belgium for the years 2013 and 2014 to support the outreach to the francophone world and the promotion of volunteerism.[1] Ministers of the Communities and the Regions represent Belgium in the Council of the European Union when their competencies are dealt with.
Former colonies
Belgium retains special (important) but often stormy relationships with its former colonies, Congo, Rwanda and Burundi. The current constitution of Democratic Republic of the Congo was designed with the assistance of Belgian legal scholars.
International disputes
Belgium has resorted several times to international dispute settlement, notably in cases at both the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration with the Netherlands concerning the diversion of water from the Meuse (1937) the frontier at the enclave of Baarle-Hertog (1959) and the revitalisation of the so-called Iron Rhine railroad (2005). There have been other points of contention with the Netherlands, such as the deepening of the river Scheldt or the route for the high-speed rail link between Brussels and Amsterdam. This does however not influence the overall amicable character of Belgo-Dutch relationship.
Other former cases at international courts between Belgium and other countries are — in chronological order — the Oscar Chinn Case of 1934 (with the United Kingdom, the Borghgrave Case of 1937 (with Spain), the cases of the electricity company of Sofia of 1939 (with Bulgaria), the case of the "société commerciale de Belgique" of 1939 (with Greece), the case concerning the Barcelona Traction Company of 1970 (with Spain), the arrest warrant case of 2002 (with the Democratic Republic of the Congo) and the case concerning legality of use of force of 2004 (with Serbia and Montenegro).
The arrest warrant case of 2002 was caused by the application of Belgium's so called genocide law, providing for universal jurisdiction over the gravest international crimes. The same law stirred relations with, amongst others, Israel and the United States, since complaints were filed against high-ranking politicians and officials of both countries. The law was therefore repealed in 2003.
Relationship with countries
Belgium maintains significant bilateral relations with several countries.
Africa
Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
---|---|---|
Algeria | 1962 | |
Angola | 15 October 1976 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 October 1976[2] |
Benin | 3 January 1961 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 January 1961.[4] |
Botswana | 24 August 1967 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 24 August 1967.[5] |
Burkina Faso | 17 October 1961 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 17 October 1961[6] |
Burundi | 18 July 1962 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 July 1962.[7]
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Cameroon | 14 March 1962 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 March 1962 when has been accredited Ambassador of Belgium to Cameroon with residence in Yaounde Mr. E. Luyckx.[8]
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Cape Verde | 12 July 1977 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 12 July 1977[9] |
Chad | 27 June 1961 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 June 1961 when first Ambassador of Chad Mr. Adoum Aganaye presented his credentials to King of Belgium[10]
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Congo-Brazzaville | 20 February 1962 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 20 February 1962.[11]
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Congo-Kinshasa | 2 July 1960 | See Belgium–Democratic Republic of the Congo relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 2 July 1960 when establishment of the Belgian diplomatic mission in Leopoldville and Jean Van den Bosch becomes the Belgian ambassador.[12]
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Cote d'Ivoire | 15 March 1961 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 March 1961[13] |
Djibouti | 19 June 1978 | Both countries established diplomaticv relations on 19 June 1978.[14] |
Egypt | 10 May 1922 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 May 1922 when has been appointed Mr. A. Dauge as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Belgium to Egypt.[15]
|
Eritrea |
| |
Eswatini | 14 November 1969 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 November 1969 when ambassador of Swaziland Mr. Nkomeni Douglas Ntiwane presented his credentials to King of Belgium.[17] |
Ethiopia | 25 March 1923 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 March 1923 when Consulate General of Belgium transformed into a Legation and the first Minister Plenipotentiary is Maxime Gerard[18]
|
Gabon | 3 October 1961 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 October 1961[19] |
Gambia | 24 March 1967 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 24 March 1967.[20] |
Ghana | 2 October 1959 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 2 October 1959 when has been accredited Mr. G. Walravens as Ambassador of Belgium to Ghana.[21] |
Guinea | 28 January 1960 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 January 1960 when has been accredited Mr. G. Walravens as Ambassador of Belgium to Guinea with residence in Accra (Ghana).[22] |
Guinea-Bissau | 2 August 1977 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 2 August 1977 when has been accredited Ambassador of Guinea-Bissau to Belgium Mr. Luis Oliveira Sanca.[23] |
Kenya | 3 April 1964 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 April 1964 when Belgian Consulate General in Nairobi was upgraded to Embassy level and Mr. A. Bulens , Consul General of Belgium in Nairobi became an Ambassador.[24]
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Lesotho | 24 August 1967 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 24 August 1967.[25] |
Libya | 15 May 1956 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 May 1956.[26] |
Madagascar | 1962 |
|
Malawi | 28 January 1966 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 January 1966 when first Ambassador of Malawi to Belgium Mr. Timon Sam Mangwazu presented his credentials.[27] |
Mali | 1 August 1963 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 August 1963 when M. Gerard Walravens, first Ambassador of Belgium to Mali , resident in Abidjan , presented his letters of credentials to President Modibo Keita.[28] |
Mauritania | 13 April 1961 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 13 April 1961.[29] |
Morocco | 30 July 1956 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 July 1956 when has been established Embassy of Belgium in Rabat and appointed Mr. P. Lamotte as Ambassador of Belgium to Morocco.[30] |
Mozambique | 5 December 1975 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 December 1975[31] |
Namibia | 21 September 1990 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 September 1990[32] |
Niger | 22 September 1961 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 22 September 1961[33] |
Nigeria | 4 February 1961 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 4 February 1961[34]
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Rwanda | 18 July 1962 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 July 1962.[35]
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Senegal | 1 February 1961 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 February 1961 when established Embassy of Belgium in Dakar and appointed first Ambassador to Senegal Mr. M. Taymans
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Seychelles | 1 July 1976 |
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Sierra Leone | 12 July 1961 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 12 July 1961 when M. G. Walravens was appointed as first Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Belgium to Sierra Leone ( with residence in Abidjan).[38] |
Somalia | 5 July 1960 |
|
South Africa | 28 August 1933 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 August 1933 when has been appointed first Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Union of South Africa to Belgium Dr. H. D. van Broekhuizen.[39]
|
South Sudan | 14 October 2011 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 October 2011.[40]
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Sudan | 23 July 1956 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 July 1956 when has been accredited Ambassador of Belgium to Sudan Mr. Jean Nieuwenhuys.[42] |
Tanzania | 21 August 1962 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 August 1962.[43]
|
Tunisia |
| |
Zambia | 6 December 1964 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 6 December 1964.[44] |
Zimbabwe | 24 April 1980 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 24 April 1980.[45] |
Americas
Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
---|---|---|
Antigua and Barbuda | 30 October 1985 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 October 1985.[46] |
Argentina | 26 September 1852 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 26 September 1852 when M. Joseph Lannoy has been appointed as Minister Resident of Belgium to Argentine Confederation with Residence in Rio-de-Janeiro.[47]
|
Bahamas | 12 December 1973 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 12 December 1973.[48] |
Barbados | 30 October 1970 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 October 1970.[49] |
Belize | 1982 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1982.[50] |
Bolivia | 27 September 1850 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 September 1850 when general Santa Cruz has been appointed as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Bolivia to Belgium (Resident in Paris).[51] |
Brazil | 27 July 1832 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 July 1832 when has been accredited charge d'affaires of Belgium to Brazil B. Mary.[52]
|
Canada | 3 January 1939 | See Belgium–Canada relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 January 1939.[53]
|
Chile |
| |
Colombia |
| |
Costa Rica | 26 July 1858 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 26 July 1858.[54] |
Cuba | 18 August 1902 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 August 1902.[55] In 1837, Belgian negotiating sale right ownership of Cuba from Spanish government.[56]
|
Dominica | 1980 | Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1980.[57] |
Dominican Republic | 10 April 1891 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 April 1891.[58] |
El Salvador | 1 July 1890 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 July 1890.[59]
|
Guyana | 10 June 1971 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 June 1971.[60] |
Haiti | 15 January 1902 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 January 1902 when has been appointed C. Renoz as Consul General and Charge d'Affaires of Belgium to Haiti.[61]
|
Honduras | 27 March 1858 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 March 1858.[62] |
Jamaica | 25 July 1967 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 July 1967.[63]
|
Mexico | 19 November 1839 | See Belgium–Mexico relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 November 1839.[64] In 1836, Belgium—itself newly independent—recognized the independence of Mexico.[65] In 1919, the Belgian chamber of commerce of Mexico was established.[65] Belgium opened its embassy in Mexico on 5 June 1954.[66]
|
Nicaragua | 1 December 1845 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 December 1845 when M. J. de Marcoleta has been appointed as Charge d'Affaires of Nicaragua to Belgium with residence in Paris.[67] |
Panama | 15 February 1908 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 February 1908.[68]
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Peru | 16 May 1850 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 16 May 1850.[69]
|
Saint Lucia | 1980 | Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1980.[70] |
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 1980 | Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1980.[71] |
Suriname | 1 October 1976 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 October 1976.[72]
|
Trinidad and Tobago | 10 May 1970 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 May 1970.[73] |
United States | 9 February 1832 | See Belgium–United States relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 9 February 1832 when has been accredited Minister Resident of Belgium to United States with residence in Washigton baron D. Behr.[74] The United States and Belgium are good friends and allies, despite occasional disagreements on a limited number of foreign policy issues. Good will and affection for Americans continues as a result of the U.S. role during and after the two World Wars, which was exhibited in 2004 during the 60th anniversary commemorations of the Battle of the Bulge and the liberation of Belgium. Continuing to celebrate cooperative U.S. and Belgian relations, 2007 marks the 175th anniversary of the nations' relationship.
|
Uruguay | 26 September 1852 | See Belgium–Uruguay relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 26 September 1852 when M. Joseph Lannoy has been appointed as Minister Resident of Belgium to Uruguay with Residence in Rio-de-Janeiro.[75]
|
Venezuela | 21 April 1880 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 April 1880.[76]
|
Asia
Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
---|---|---|
Armenia | 10 March 1992 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 March 1992.[77]
|
Azerbaijan | 17 June 1992 | See Azerbaijan–Belgium relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 17 June 1992.[79]
|
Bahrain | 21 November 1973 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 November 1973 when has been appointed Mr. G. Copette as ambassador of Belgium to Bahrain with residence in Kuwait.[81] |
Bhutan | 21 January 2009 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 January 2009[82] |
China | 25 october 1971 | See Belgium–China relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 October 1971.[83] |
Georgia | 5 June 1992 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 June 1992.[84]
|
India | 20 September 1947 | See Belgium–India relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 20 September 1947 when Prince Eugene de Ligne presented his credentials as the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to India.[86] |
Indonesia | 14 June 1950 | See Belgium–Indonesia relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 June 1950 when Consulate General of Belgium in Jakarta has been elevated to rang Legation and M. P. Vanderstichelen appointed as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Belgium to Indonesia.[87]
|
Israel | See Belgium–Israel relations
| |
Japan | 1 August 1866 | See Belgium–Japan relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 August 1866.[88]
|
Jordan | 4 May 1947 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 4 May 1947 when has been appointed Charge d'affaires of Belgium to Jordan Mr. Jean Nieuwenhuys.[89] |
Kazakhstan | 25 August 1992 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 August 1992.[90]
|
Kuwait | 8 April 1964 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 April 1964 when first Belgian ambassador to Kuwait presented his credentials to Amir Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem.[92] |
Kyrgyzstan | 25 March 1992 | See Belgium–Turkey relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 March 1992.[93]
|
Laos | 23 February 1960 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 February 1960.[95] |
Lebanon | 25 November 1944 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 November 1944 when established Lebanese Legation (Embassy) in Belgium.[96]
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Malaysia | 12 December 1957 | See Belgium–Malaysia relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 12 December 1957.[97]
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Maldives | 30 December 1977 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 December 1977[98] |
Mongolia | 8 July 1971 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 July 1971.[99] |
Myanmar | 16 September 1953 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 16 September 1953.[100] |
Nepal | 19 August 1963 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 19 August 1963.[101] |
North Korea | 23 January 2001 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 January 2001.[102]
|
Oman | 21 November 1973 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 November 1973.[104] |
Pakistan | 20 February 1948 | See Belgium–Pakistan relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 20 February 1948.[105]
Former Pakistani president, Pervez Musharraf, has also previously extended a visit to Belgium during his tour of Europe in early 2008, which also included visits to the United Kingdom, France and Sweden. During his stay in Brussels, he met the then-Prime Minister of Belgium, Guy Verhofstadt, and the two leaders held significant talks on trade and defence co-operation. |
Philippines | 18 May 1949 | See Belgium–Philippines relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 May 1949.[106]
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Qatar | 21 November 1973 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 November 1973.[107]
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Saudi Arabia | 18 December 1954 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 December 1954 when established Legation of Belgium in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) and has been appointed M. G. Puttevils as Charge d'Affaires of Belgium to Jeddah.[108]
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Singapore | 10 October 1966 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 October 1966.[109]
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South Korea | 2 May 1961 | See Belgium–South Korea relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 2 May 1961.[110]
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Sri Lanka | 27 July 1953 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 July 1953.[114] |
Tajikistan | 29 April 1992 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 29 April 1992.[115]
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Thailand | 21 July 1883 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 July 1883.[117]
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Timor Leste | 3 February 2003 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 February 2003.[118] |
Turkey | 4 April 1838 | See Belgium–Turkey relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 4 April 1838 when has been accredited Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Belgium to Turkey baron O'Sullivan de Grass.[119]
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Turkmenistan | 1 February 1993 | See Belgium–Turkey relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 February 1993.[120]
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United Arab Emirates | 21 November 1973 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 November 1973.[122]
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Uzbekistan | 10 March 1992 | See Belgium–Turkey relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 March 1992.[123]
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Vietnam | 22 March 1973 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 22 March 1973.[125]
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Europe
Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
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Albania | 13 November 1970 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 13 November 1970.[126] |
Andorra | 15 December 1994 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 December 1994.[127]
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Austria | 22 July 1832 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 22 July 1832 when has been accredited Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Belgium to Austria baron de Loe.[129]
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Belarus | 10 March 1992 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 March 1992.[130]
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Bosnia and Herzegovina | 3 March 1994 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 March 1994.[132]
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Bulgaria | 11 December 1879 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 11 December 1879.[134]
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Croatia | 10 March 1992 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 March 1992.[137]
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Czech Republic | 3 June 1919 | Belgium and Czechoslovakia established diplomatic relations on 3 June 1919.[139]
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Denmark | 25 February 1837 | See Belgium–Denmark relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 February 1837 when has been accredited charge d'affaires of Belgium to Denmark baron T. van der Straten-Ponthoz[141][142]
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Estonia | 26 January 1921 | Both countries established diplomatic relations first time on 21 January 1921. Diplomatic relations re-established on 5 September 1991.[143]
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Finland | 9 July 1919 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 9 July 1919.[144]
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France | 8 March 1831 | See Belgium–France relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 March 1831 when has been accredited Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Belgium to France Comte C. Le Hon.[145]
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Germany | See Belgium–Germany relations
They are both members of the European Union and NATO. Also, the majority of the people in East Belgium speak German.
| |
Greece | 30 November 1838 | See Belgium–Greece relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 November 1838 when has been accredited Charge d'Affaires of Belgium to Greece M. Benjamin Mary.[146]
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Holy See | 21 July 1832 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 July 1832 when has been accredited Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Belgium to Roman states and Italian states (Holy See) Viscount Vilain XIIII.[147]
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Hungary | 20 February 1922 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 20 February 1922.[148]
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Iceland | 9 November 1945 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 9 November 1945.[149]
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Ireland | 7 September 1932 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 7 September 1932 when has been established Legation of Ireland in Belgium (Brussels). It was raised into an embassy 9 January 1959.[150]
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Italy | 24 February 1851 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 24 February 1851 when has been appointed Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Italy to Belgium Alberto Lupi Di Montalto.[151]
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Kosovo | 23 April 2008 | See Belgium–Kosovo relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 April 2008.[152]
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Latvia | 26 January 1921 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 26 January 1921.[155]Diplomatic relations re-established on 5 September 1991.[156] |
Lithuania | 27 December 1922 | Both countries established diplomatic relations first time on 27 December 1922.Diplomatic relations re-established on 5 September 1991.[157] |
Luxembourg | 9 July 1892 | See Belgium–Luxembourg relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 9 July 1892.[158]
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Malta | June 1965 | Both countries established diplomatic relations in June 1965.[159]
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Moldova | 11 March 1992 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 11 March 1992.[160] |
Monaco | 2 October 1931 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 2 October 1931.[162]
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Montenegro | 25 July 2006 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 July 2006.[163]
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Netherlands | 3 August 1839 | See Belgium–Netherlands relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 August 1839 when has been accredited Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Belgium to the Netherlands Prince J. De Chimay.[165] |
North Macedonia | 14 February 1994 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 February 1994.[166]
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Norway | 14 November 1905 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 November 1905.[168] |
Poland | 6 March 1919 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 6 March 1919.[169]
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Portugal | 20 February 1834 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 20 February 1834 when has been accredited charge d'affaires of Belgium to Portugal C. Serruys.[170]
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Romania | 29 March 1880 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 29 March 1880.[171]
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Russia | 11 April 1853 | See Belgium–Russia relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 11 April 1853.[172]
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San Marino | 26 March 1985 | Both countries established diplomatic re;lations on 26 March 1985.[173] |
Serbia | 15 March 1886 | |
Slovakia | 1 January 1993 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 January 1993.[175]
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Slovenia | 5 March 1992 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 March 1992.[177]
Belgium recognised Slovenia as an independent country effective from 15 January 1992.[178]
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Spain | 18 September 1832 | See Belgium–Spain relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 September 1832 when has been accredited charge d'affaires of Belgium to Spain J.-B. Kaufmann.[179]
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Sweden | 23 February 1837 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 February 1837 when has been accredited Charge d'Affaires of Belgium to Sweden baron T. Vander Straten Ponthoz.[180]
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Switzerland | 30 September 1845 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 September 1845 when Constantin Rodenbach has been appointed as first Belgian Charge d'Affaires to Switzerland.[181]
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Ukraine | 10 March 1992 | See Belgium–Ukraine relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 March 1992.[182] Although politically the two nations are not closely connected, they have a long history of economic integration and trade, with Belgian investment playing a role in the contemporary Ukrainian economy. As of 2008, trade revenue generated between the two nations accounted for approximately US$1 billion.[183] |
United Kingdom | 1 December 1830 | See Belgium–United Kingdom relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 December 1830 when John Ponsonby has been appointed as special mission to provisional government.[185] Historically, the two countries have trading links going back to the 10th century, especially wool trade from England to the County of Flanders. In the early years of the Hundred Years' War, Edward III allied with the nobles of the Low Countries and the burghers of Flanders against France. |
Oceania
Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
---|---|---|
Australia | 10 October 1947 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 October 1947.[186]
|
Cook Islands | 6 April 2005 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 6 April 2005.[187]
|
Fiji | September 1972 | Both countries established diplomatic relations in September 1972.[189] |
New Zealand | 10 October 1947 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 October 1947.[190]
|
Marshall Islands | 29 May 1996 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 29 May 1996[191]
|
Micronesia | 28 October 1996 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 October 1996[193]
|
Nauru | 4 July 1975 | Both countries establishedd iplomatic relations on 4 July 1975.[195] |
Palau | 18 May 2010 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 May 2010.[196] |
Papua New Guinea | 16 September 1976 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 16 September 1976.[197] |
Samoa | 10 May 1973 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 May 1973.[198]
|
Solomon Islands | 28 February 1979 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 February 1979.[199] |
Tonga | 10 May 1973 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 May 1973.[200] |
Vanuatu | 10 June 1981 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 June 1981.[201] |
Protocol
The kingdom of Belgium recognises 4 types of incoming visits in Belgium. They are ranked in precedence and protocol.[202]
- The State Visit, formal invitations by the King of the Belgians.
- The Official Visit, invitation by the Belgian Prime minister.
- The Working Visit, invitation by an ambassador, the cost is not paid by the Belgian state.
- Cordial visits.
- Visits of courtoisie
- Visits to international Organisations
- The Private Visit, at own initiative, Belgian authorities only provide security if requested.
See also
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