News

Today we remember the victims of the Holocaust on the International Day of Remembrance. This speech was delivered during the virtual ceremony organised by the European Jewish Association. 

January 26, 2021 marks the centenary of our country's diplomatic relations with Estonia and Latvia, whose independence Belgium recognized in 1921. 

This month, Belgium takes over the presidency of the Benelux for one year. Initially, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sophie Wilmès was to present the priorities of this presidency at a ceremony in Brussels, but given the sanitary evolution and the outbreak of new variants, a meeting with her Dutch and Luxembourg colleagues Stefan Blok and Jean Asselborn will be held at a later stage.

Intervention at the launch of the Rapid Response Window of the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund. "Peace agreements are shaping the future of a country. Women should be at the table. Women should be listened to. Their inclusion and meaningful participation is crucial to build durable peace and sustainable societies. And they should be supported."

Democracy is fragile and never acquired. What happened at the Capitol in Washington demonstrated that. Belgium considers respect for democratic institutions & values essential in all relations, including those with the US, who is and will always be one of our closest allies. You can find the interview on BBC World News here.

Tomorrow, 31 December, Belgium's sixth mandate in the UN Security Council (VNVR) will come to an end. Two and a half years ago, our country had received the support of no less than 181 countries to sit at the table of the most important body for international peace and security for two years. During those two years, Belgium has been active on all the dossiers on the agenda of this body.

Today is the International Human Rights Day. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sophie Wilmès and Minister of Development Cooperation Meryame Kitir underline that Belgium remains committed to the protection and promotion of all human rights for all.