German President Arrives for Belgian State Visit

The German President Joachim Gauck and his partner Daniela Schadt have begun a three-day State Visit to Belgium today, Tuesday March 8. Upon their arrival at the airport in Brussels, they were greeted by Didier Reynders, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Afterwards the President and Mrs Schadt were officially received by Their Majesties King Philippe and Queen Mathilde in the courtyard of the Royal Palace. The King with President Gauck inspected the guard of honour and then were played the national anthems.

Officïele ontvangstceremonie aan het Koninklijk Paleis #StaatsbezoekDuitsland #Brussel pic.twitter.com/DdjhPfAswo

— Belgian Royal Palace (@MonarchieBe) March 8, 2016

After a brief reception inside the Royal Palace, where the guest book was signed, the President paid a visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier where he laid a wreath. Then King Philippe and Queen Mathilde hosted a lunch for the President and Mrs Schadt.

In early afternoon the President started a round of meetings with the Prime Minister of Belgium, Charles Michel, and with the President of the Belgian Chamber of Representatives, Siegfried Bracke, and the President of the Senate, Christine Defraigne.

Ontvangst in het Stadhuis van #Brussel #StaatsbezoekDuitsland @StadBrussel pic.twitter.com/KvnIhNBv4U

— Belgian Royal Palace (@MonarchieBe) March 8, 2016

Meanwhile Queen Mathilde along with Daniela Schadt visited the Child Focus, a Foundation for Missing and Sexually Exploited Children established in March 1998 by parents of missing and murdered children.

Later the Royal Couple along with the President and Mrs Schadt went to the Brussels City Hall. There took place a reception held by the Mayor of Brussels, Yvan Mayeur. In the evening took place the State Banquet hosted by King Philippe and Queen Mathilde at the Laeken Castle. Princess Astrid along with her husband Prince Lorenz and her brother Prince Laurent were present as well.

Filed under Belgium
Tagged Children, Germany, King Philippe of the Belgians, President Gauck of Germany, Prime Minister Michel of Belgium, Prince Laurent of Belgium, Prince Lorenz of Belgium, Princess Astrid of Belgium, Queen Mathilde of the Belgians, State Visit.