The heads of state of Belgium and France are celebrating their countries’ deep ties as two of the founder members of the EU.
The heads of state of Belgium and France are meeting in Paris to celebrate their nations’ cultural ties and shared views on European issues during a three-day state visit from Belgium’s King Philippe and Queen Mathilde.
The visit, which began on Monday in Paris, came at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron.
The Belgian monarchs inspected troops at the Arc de Triomphe, where Philippe and President Macron rekindled a flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and laid a wreath.
Later on Monday, the Belgian royals attended a state dinner organised by the French President at the Elysée Palace.
At the dinner, King Philippe gave a toast to what he called “the spirit of friendship” between the two countries.
“I invite you, ladies and gentlemen, to raise your glasses to President and Mrs Macron.”
“Long live Belgium! Long live France and long live Franco-Belgian friendship!” Macron said.
The Belgian royal couple were accompanied by several ministers and a minister-president. According to the Belgian foreign office, their visit is part of an effort to develop new political, economic and diplomatic links between Belgium and France, which share a border of some 620 kilometres.
The visit, which ends this Wednesday, will also take the royals to Chantilly and Lille.
