King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium began a 3-day state visit to France this Monday. This visit follows an invitation from President Emmanuel Macron.
It allows Belgium and France to celebrate their cultural ties and share their visions on European issues, and aims to “deepen their bilateral defense and security relationship”. Reindustrialization, competitiveness and decarbonization of the economy will be discussed. The sovereigns will attend conferences and make company visits.
Belgian sovereigns attended a state dinner hosted by the French president at the Élysée Palace. The Belgian king, Philippe, toasted first: “In this spirit of friendship, I invite you, ladies and gentlemen, to raise your glasses to the health of the President and to Madame Macron.” Then, French President Emmanuel Macron, in turn, toasted “Long live Belgium!” Long live France and long live Franco-Belgian friendship.”
Belgium and France share a long common history and 620 km of borders. The visit will take the Belgian sovereigns to Chantilly and Lille before ending on Wednesday.
