Belgium (Wikimedia commons)

and Japan

Interview of H.E. Gunther Sleeuwagen, Belgian Ambassador to Japan (by EUROBIZ Japan)

Belgium-Japan diplomatic relations may be celebrating 150 years, but the human connection that remains paramount today was initiated some 400 years ago:

“Well, for us now, Belgium and Japan are celebrating 150 years of diplomatic relations. However, our connection goes back further. The first Dutch ship arrived here some 400 years ago and there were Belgians on that boat. But we entered into formal diplomatic relations when we signed the treaty 150 years ago. We’re very pleased with the attention that the 150 year celebrations are getting in Belgium, but even more so in Japan. We are so proud of our good relations.

We are now in the process of organising the 150 year anniversary. So there will be cultural events and concerts, high-level visits, political, economic and academic exchanges. A broad variety of events are being organised, both in Japan and in Belgium.”  (Source: EUROBIZ)

Read more from:  2016: 150 years of Belgium-Japan diplomatic relations!