FOREIGN
RELATIONS
The Concert
of Nations sanctioned the creation of Belgium in 1830 on the condition
that the country remain strictly neutral. During the two World
Wars Belgium tried, but was unable, to follow a policy of neutrality
due to the German invasions. In 1948, Belgium signed the Treaty
of Brussels with Great Britain, France, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg,
and a year later became one of the founding members of NATO.
Belgium
remains a strong proponent of both NATO and European defense efforts.
Belgium also is a strong advocate of strengthening economic and
political integration within the EU. Having federalized their
own country, many Belgians view themselves as the ultimate "European
federalists."
Both NATO
(since 1966) and the EU have their headquarters in Brussels; SHAPE
(Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe) is in the south of
the country, near Mons.
Belgium supported the expansion of NATO and EU membership to the new democracies of central and eastern Europe and is actively engaged in the Organization for Security and Cooperation (OSCE) in Europe. Belgium served as the Chair-in-Office of the OSCE in 2006. Belgium sits on the United Nations Security Council during 2007-2008.
U.S.-BELGIAN
RELATIONS
The United States and Belgium are good friends and allies, despite occasional disagreements on a limited number of foreign policy issues. Good will and affection for Americans continues as a result of the U.S. role during and after the two World Wars, which was exhibited in 2004 during the 60th anniversary commemorations of the Battle of the Bulge and the liberation of Belgium. Continuing to celebrate cooperative U.S. and Belgian relations, 2007 marks the 175tth anniversary of the nations' relationship.
The U.S. appreciates Belgian activism in international affairs, including its participation in the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, its reconstruction and development assistance to Iraq, its peacekeeping missions in the Balkans and Lebanon, its frequent provision of airlift in international crises, and its hosting of 2005 and 2007 transatlantic dialogues between European foreign ministers and the Secretary of State. During the January 17, 2006 visit by Prime Minister Verhofstadt, President Bush thanked him for his "leadership" in helping "the people of the Congo realize their full potential." The U.S. continues to believe that Belgium could be even more active in sharing international security concerns.
As an
outward looking nation, Belgium works closely with the United
States bilaterally and in international and regional organizations
to encourage economic and political cooperation and assistance
to developing countries. Belgium has welcomed hundreds of U.S.
firms to its territory, many of which have their European headquarters
there.
Principal U.S. Embassy Officials
Ambassador--Sam Fox
Deputy Chief of Mission--Wayne Bush
Political Counselor--Theodore H. Andrews
Economic Counselor--Richard Eason
Management Counselor--Kathleen Austin-Ferguson
Commercial Counselor--Paul Kullman
Regional Security Officer--Kevin W. Bauer
Public Affairs Counselor--Kathleen L. Boyle
Consul General--Colwell C. Whitney
The U.S. Embassy in Belgium is located at 27 Boulevard du Régent, 1000 Brussels (tel. 02/501-2111, fax 02/511-2725). The European Logistical Support Office (ELSO) is at Norrderlaan 147, Box 12A, 2030 Antwerp (tel. 03/542-4775, fax 03/542-6567). The Consular section in Brussels is located at 25 Boulevard du Régent.
U.S. Mission to NATO
Permanent U.S. Representative to NATO (USNATO)--Victoria J. Nuland
Deputy Chief of Mission, USNATO--Richard G. Olson
The U.S. Mission to NATO (USNATO) is at NATO Headquarters, on the Autoroute de Zaventem, 1110 Brussels (tel. 02/724-3111, fax 02/726-5796).
