Prime Minister Alexander De Croo of Belgium engaged in a pivotal bilateral meeting with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at Downing Street today, reaffirming the longstanding alliance between the two nations. The meeting delved into various areas of collaboration, including trade, investment, defense, and combating organized crime and irregular migration.
Belgium and the United Kingdom share a historical camaraderie, grounded in centuries of loyalty and cooperation. As both nations navigate the post-Brexit landscape, their commitment to fortify their partnership has never been stronger.
The discussions yielded several significant initiatives aimed at enhancing cooperation between Belgium and the UK:
1. Belgian-UK Law Enforcement Cooperation Agreement: A groundbreaking accord, currently in the final stages of negotiation, will address all forms of cross-border crime. This agreement will bolster surveillance capabilities, facilitate enhanced data sharing, and foster joint operations between law enforcement agencies from both countries. Notably, this marks the first law enforcement agreement between the UK and an EU member state post-Brexit.
2. Combatting Irregular Migration: Both leaders reiterated their determination to combat irregular migration through increased bilateral exchange of intelligence and expertise. The deployment of cutting-edge technology, funded by the UK, will aid in identifying and disrupting people smuggling networks. Additionally, closer cooperation in combating criminal activities promoted through social media channels was emphasized.
3. North Sea Energy Collaboration: Building upon the momentum generated by the previous year’s North Sea Summit in Oostende, the leaders underscored the importance of expanding the energy interconnection between the UK and Belgium. This initiative aims to transform the North Sea into a sustainable energy hub, supporting the transition towards cleaner and more secure energy systems in both nations.
4. Response to Global Challenges: The leaders addressed pressing global issues, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine. They emphasized the need for continued long-term support to Ukraine and explored avenues for utilizing seized Russian assets to aid in the country’s reconstruction efforts. Additionally, discussions centered on the imperative of improving aid flow into Gaza and devising a political framework to foster long-term security and stability in the Israel-Palestine region.
5. Protection of Maritime Shipping: Both Prime Ministers condemned the attacks launched by the Houthis on commercial vessels in the Red Sea since mid-November, recognizing them as a threat to international maritime shipping. They advocated for international action to safeguard shipping lanes and ensure maritime security in the region.
Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak concluded the meeting with a shared commitment to deepen cooperation and tackle shared challenges. As Belgium and the UK navigate a complex geopolitical landscape, their partnership stands as a testament to the enduring bonds between nations, rooted in shared values and mutual interests.
Read Official Press Release Here (https://news.belgium.be/en/prime-minister-alexander-de-croo-meets-british-prime-minister-rishi-sunak).
