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Belgium

King Philippe of the Belgians hosts US President Biden

King Philippe of the Belgians welcomed several visitors to the Royal Palace in Brussels on Tuesday, including US President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

The King hosted Biden in an audience alongside US Secretary of State Antony Blinkin, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sophie Wilmes. The group discussed the ongoing global health crisis, climate change and the relationship between the United States and European Union.

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The King, US President and Belgium Prime Minister also held a photo call inside the palace where the momentarily removed their masks for the press.

The President also signed the Royal Palace’s guest book before the conclusion of the meeting. He later wrote on Twitter: “It was an honor to visit the Royal Palace in Brussels and meet with His Majesty The King of Belgium and Prime Minister Alexander De Croo.”

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Biden arrived in Belgium after the recent G7 meeting that took place in the United Kingdom where he had tea with Queen Elizabeth II and met several other members of the Royal Family.

President Biden later travelled to Geneva, Switzerland, to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

King Philippe last met a US President in 2017 when he and Queen Mathilde welcomed President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump to Belgium. The King also met with President Barack Obama in Belgium and France in 2014 for ceremonies marking the 70th anniversary of D-Day.

Philippe has met Biden before during the latter’s tenure as Vice President under the Obama Presidency in 2011. At the time, Philippe was the heir to the throne, holding the title the Duke of Brabant.

About author

Brittani is from Tennessee, USA. She is a political scientist and historian after graduating with a degree in the topics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in December 2014. She also holds a master's degree from Northeastern University. She enjoys reading and researching all things regarding the royals of the world. She's been researching, reading, and writing on royalty for over a decade. She became Europe Editor in October 2016, and then Deputy Editor in January 2019, and has been featured on several podcasts, radio shows, news broadcasts and websites including Global News Canada, ABC News Australia, WION India and BBC World News.