Recently, the UAE and Belgium convened the third round of political consultations in Abu Dhabi, a significant event reflecting the strength and depth of their bilateral relations. This gathering aimed to reinforce strategic dialogue and cooperation across various sectors, highlighting their commitment to mutual growth and innovation. The latest discussions reflect not only the historical ties between the two nations but also their shared vision for future collaboration.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted the third round of political consultations between the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Belgium. The session was chaired by the UAE’s Deputy Assistant Minister for Political Affairs, Reem Kuttait, while the Belgian side was led by Secretary-General and Chairwoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, and Development Cooperation, Theodora Genztis, with the presence of several senior officials from both countries.
Both sides reviewed the depth of their bilateral relations and the course of their development, praising the strong partnership between the UAE and Belgium and reaffirming their joint commitment to enhancing cooperation across various strategic sectors.
They also emphasized the deep ties between the peoples of both countries, evident in cultural, educational, and commercial exchanges, as well as the growing presence of Belgian companies operating in the UAE, particularly in logistics, energy, advanced manufacturing, ports, life sciences, and innovation. This expanding partnership reflects the strength of the economic links between the two countries and embodies their shared commitment to achieving sustainable growth and establishing a partnership based on innovation.
The two sides noted the accelerated growth in the volume of bilateral trade in recent years, reflecting the strength and diversity of economic relations. They discussed prospects for enhancing non-oil trade, strengthening partnerships in the private sector, and increasing investment flows in priority sectors, particularly in energy transition, renewable energy, hydrogen, advanced technologies, and sustainable infrastructure.
In this context, they discussed the latest developments in the ongoing negotiations regarding the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the UAE and the European Union, affirming their desire to make swift and constructive progress in the talks, given the UAE’s significant role as a central hub in both the economic and logistics fields, and as a key bridge connecting Europe with West Asia and East Africa.
The UAE and Belgium explored ways to enhance judicial and consular cooperation, commending the high level of coordination and mutual trust that underpins this collaboration. Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in legal affairs and coordinate efforts in law enforcement, including the exchange of institutional expertise.
The consultations included in-depth discussions on joint efforts to combat terrorism and extremism, enhance maritime security, and establish regional stability, while emphasizing the importance of coordinating efforts to address emerging security challenges.
Regarding regional and international issues, both sides exchanged views on the latest developments in the Middle East, European security, and the Horn of Africa, stressing the necessity of de-escalation and civilian protection, and underscoring their support for dialogue to prevent regional instability. They also highlighted the importance of continuing diplomatic cooperation as the only way to achieve sustainable stability.
The UAE and Belgium reviewed their efforts in the humanitarian field, particularly in the Horn of Africa and Gaza, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the urgent, safe, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance, and renewing their joint commitment to establishing peace and enhancing international collaborative efforts.
Both sides agreed to intensify high-level visits between the two countries as part of enhancing strategic coordination efforts and deepening institutional cooperation. They also agreed to hold the fourth round of political consultations in the Belgian capital, Brussels, in 2027.