Belgian royal couple welcomed by Lithuanian president

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde arrived in Lithuania on Monday for a three-day state visit to the Baltic state. The Belgian royal couple were officially welcomed shortly after 1 pm (local time) with a red-carpet ceremony at the international airport in the country's capital Vilnius.

An hour later, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde received a second official welcome with a ceremony at the presidential palace. A Lithuanian delegation, led by President Gitanas Nauseda and his wife Diana Nausediene, greeted the Belgian royal couple. Upon their arrival, the Belgian and Lithuanian national anthems were played respectively.

A busy schedule awaits the Belgian delegation in Lithuania until Wednesday. They are set to visit a wide range of economic, political, cultural and academic institutions during the three-day trip, which marks the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Belgium and Lithuania.

The war in Ukraine will involve increased military solidarity with Lithuania. To stress this, the king will visit Belgian soldiers in Lithuania on Wednesday.

(BRV)

© BELGA PHOTO POOL PHILIP REYNAERS