On Tuesday 25 March, the 25th anniversary edition of the Belgo-British conference was hosted by the Belgian FPS Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation at the Egmont Palace.
Justice Ministers from both the UK and Belgium, Minister Annelies Verlinden and Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede, gave opening remarks on the topic of Belgium and the United Kingdom: Resilient Partners in a Changing World.
Theo Francken, Minister of Defence and Foreign Trade, gave a closing speech.
Professor Alexander Mattelaer and Michelle Haas, moderators from the Egmont Institute, and moderator Sir Robin Niblett, from the UK’s Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House), facilitated discussions on national security, public health sector, and bridging generational and societal divides from expert speakers including decision-makers from politics, civil society, business and academia from both the UK and Belgium.
The Belgian Ambassador to the UK, Jeroen Cooreman, and British Ambassador to Belgium, Anne Sherriff, were present.
Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden said:
Since my appointment as Minister of Justice and the North Sea, I have placed particular importance on our bilateral relationship with the United Kingdom. Our legal challenges transcend borders. The challenges we face whether at sea, against organised crime or in the fight against climate change are complex and interconnected. But Belgium stands ready to lead and to partner with the UK, with our neighbours and with the world.
Justice Minister Lord Ponsonby said:
I am delighted to attend the Belgo-British Conference to discuss the important ways our two great nations can co-operate with each other on security, trade, and innovation. In this uncertain world, it is vital that we work closely with our allies, like Belgium, so we are prepared to face current, emerging, and new challenges as one. We have enjoyed a close relationship for many years, and I look forward to our continued co-operation which will help boost security and growth in both our countries and across Europe.
