Belgium’s King Philippe and Queen Mathilde’s five-day visit to South Africa is expected to deepen the ties between the two countries. The visit is also seen as a positive endorsement of South Africa on the international scene.
This is the royal couple’s first visit to Africa, and they have brought along a delegation of Belgian Cabinet ministers and officials to highlight the strong economic relationship between the two nations.
Belgium is the fifth-largest exporter and third-largest European Union importer of goods to South Africa.
The chief exports of Belgium to South Africa are chemical products and machinery, while the country’s South African imports include precious stones, transport equipment, and chemical products.
The Belgian ambassador to South Africa, Paul Jansen, believes that South Africa is an attractive investment destination for Belgian companies and an alluring business and leisure tourism destination.
He cites the significant growth potential of the country, its status as the largest economy on the African continent, and the recent investments made by Belgian companies in South Africa.
Jansen’s positive outlook reflects the deep and abiding friendship of the two countries.
The royal couple’s itinerary includes a meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Union Buildings, a tour of Freedom Park, and a discussion about social entrepreneurship at the University of Pretoria.
There will also be speeches, banquets, and tours around the region before the royal couple flies to Cape Town on Saturday to meet Western Cape Premier Allan Winde. They plan to visit Philippi Township and have lunch at Den Anker at the V&A Waterfront.
Overall, the visit of the Belgian royals is seen as a vote of confidence in South Africa and its economic potential. The visit is also an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between the two countries and deepen the economic ties that already exist.
Main Image: King Philippe & Queen Mathilde/News24
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