Flanders deploys new diplomatic representatives to strengthen global influence
The five-year rotation of Flanders' Diplomatic Representatives has been set into motion with a new group of diplomats taking up their assignments across the globe. The department of chancellery and foreign affairs announced the newly appointed diplomats on Monday. This strategic move ensures that Flanders maintains its presence and influence in key countries, regions and international organisations worldwide.
These diplomats are tasked with promoting Flemish interests on the international stage to maintain a place in global discussions and decisions. Flemish diplomats are instrumental in advocating for Flanders in cross-border and international matters, particularly in vital sectors such as energy, Research & Development and port cooperation.
Enhancing the region's image through cultural and academic partnerships is another item on the agenda as is building and maintaining networks and identifying collaboration opportunities by staying attuned to global trends. Finally, keeping a close eye on political, social and economic changes allows Flemish diplomats to navigate and respond to global shifts effectively.
The newly appointed Diplomatic Representatives have taken up positions in strategic locations:
- Anne Laure Léger in Paris, overseeing multilateral institutions in Paris and Strasbourg, including UNESCO, OECD and the Council of Europe.
- Yves Wantens also in Paris, responsible for the French-speaking regions.
- Dries Willems in Rome, managing relations with Italy and following multilateral institutions like FAO, WFP and IFAD.
- Thomas Castrel in Pretoria, covering South Africa, Mozambique, Malawi, Namibia, Botswana, eSwatini and Lesotho.
- David Maenaut in London, overseeing the United Kingdom and Ireland.
- Koenraad Van de Borne in Vienna, responsible for Austria and multilateral institutions, as well as Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Slovenia.
- Matthias De Moor in Warsaw, covering Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
- Bart Brosius in Berlin, responsible for Germany.
- Geraldine Reymenants in Copenhagen, overseeing Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway.
- Gaëtan Poelman in Brussels, representing Flanders to the European Union.
- Nic Van der Marliere in The Hague, responsible for the Netherlands.
- Katrien de Pauw in Geneva, following international institutions such as the UN.
- Paul Hegge in New York, a new face at DKBUZA, responsible for the United States area, starting 13 September.
Additionally, Kris Dierickx and Filip D'havé have taken up roles at the head office in Brussels, ensuring that the central administration continues to support and coordinate the global efforts of Flanders' diplomatic network.
#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK
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