South Africa will play host to King Philippe and Queen Mathilda of Belgium between March 22 and 27, at the invitation of President Cyril Ramaphosa.

This will be the first visit that the Belgian monarchy undertakes as it seeks to expand and strengthen bilateral relations between Belgium and South Africa. 

The Presidency says topics to be discussed during the visit include trade, foreign direct investment, tourism and renewable energy, more particularly, green hydrogen.

“Belgium is one of South Africa’s most important economic partners and many of South Africa’s exports enter Europe through the Port of Antwerp, which is the second largest in the European Union,” it said. 

The Presidency also noted a trade surplus with Belgium owing to the export of organic chemicals, diamonds and motor vehicles. 

It categorised Belgian companies as significant investors in the South African economy and added that Belgians make up a considerable contingent of international tourists that visit the country.   

Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Alvin Botes hosted the fourth South Africa-Belgium Joint Commission in 2022, to foster continued bilateral relations between the two countries.

“King Philippe’s delegation will comprise political, economic and academic leadership including the Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Hadja Lahbib, as well as the Ministers-President and representatives of the five regions of Belgium,” the Presidency said. 

Visits to Johannesburg and Cape Town as well as engagements with leaders in business, academia and civil society, make up the itinerary that the Belgian delegation are expected to follow.