Belgium to reopen embassy in Kiev next week
The Belgian embassy in Kiev will open its doors again on Monday 11 July. With this, Belgium is following other European countries that have embassies reopened in the Ukrainian capital.
According to Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, it is important that Belgium can once again have local representation, but it is also an important signal that the country will continue to stand on the side of Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky and his government.
The reopening is made possible thanks to a security analysis carried out by Foreign Affairs and Defense in recent weeks. De Croo met the new Belgian ambassador Peter Van De Velde to Kiev before his leaving for Ukraine.
“The reopening of our embassy needs closer contacts with the Ukrainian authorities possible, in particular in the context of the security situation and Ukraine's request to join the EU," said De Croo.
"This is also an important signal of resilience and support for the Ukrainians. The return of our diplomatic teams to Kiev is also important in view of the reconstruction in which Belgian companies will certainly play a role," the Belgian PM added.
The Belgian embassy in Kiev will initially focus on the diplomatic services and on contacts with the Ukrainian authorities. The consular services for Belgians will be available at the Belgian embassy in Poland until further notice.
(VIV)
© BELGA PHOTO (HATIM KAGHAT) Belgium's new ambassador to Ukraine, Peter Van De Velde, in Brussels, 7 July 2022.