Past Events

Lunch-Conference with HEM Didier REYNDERS

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ABLCC Didier Reynders
Fltr: Mr. Qaisar HIJAZIN, Mr. Ghassan KHERFAN, H.E. Sheikh Ali Bin Jassim AL THANI, H.E. Mr. Didier REYNDERS, Mr. Johan BEERLANDT

As is the custom, the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce has brought together its board members, Arab Ambassadors accredited in Belgium and Luxembourg, and its members, for a lunch-conference in hotel Steigenberger, on the occasion of its meeting of the Board of Directors on 17 November 2016.

This year, the ABLCC has had the honour to welcome H.E.M. Didier Reynders, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs, as its guest speaker.

In his welcome speech, Mr. Johan Beerlant, Chairman of the ABLCC, thanked His Excellency Reynders for his readiness to respond to the Chamber’s requests and for his continual support.

Your Excellency, your presence here today proves your strong engagement vis à vis Belgian-Arab relations and the recognition of our efforts to create valuable ties between our various economies and people.
Mr. Johan Beerlandt

He also expressed his sincere thanks and gratitude to the Arab Diplomatic Corps accredited in Belgium and Luxembourg, whose continued support is essential to pursue the mission of the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce and ensure the success of its events.

H.E.M. Didier Reynders then took the floor and elaborated on "the challenges and perspectives of Belgian and European relations with the Arab World”.

ABLCC Didier Reynders

His Excellency Reynders condemned the heinous attacks that hit Belgium in March 2016 and reminded that it was an attack on the international community as 20 different nationalities were among the victims.

H.E. Mr. Reynders called for stronger international cooperation in order to build inclusive societies with an economic growth benefitting all.

The Arab world and Europe have to cooperate to face the current challenges and turn them into opportunities
HEM Didier Reynders

He Highlighted the fact that many Arab countries have implemented reforms to enhance development opportunities, adding that “the EU intends to strengthen its support and mobilize the available instruments to assist those countries. Belgium fully subscribes to this approach”.

As a conclusion, H.E. Mr. Reynders said that, in this changing world with many crises and plenty of uncertainties, multiple challenges are lying ahead and that the way forward does not lie in isolation or in confrontation but rather in collaboration.

We thank all the participants for coming in such a large number and for their continuing trust and support!