PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA TO HOST THE FIRST STATE VISIT BY BELGIAN MONARCH.

By: Ntombikayise Mathomane.

His Majesty Prince Phillipe and her Majesty Queen Mathilde based in Belgium, will be hosted by the South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa on their first state visit from 22 to 27 March at Pretoria. According to a press release by the government, on March 17, this is the first Belgian Monarch to visit South Africa which is a sign that the two countries have a very strong relationship.

“Belgium is one of South Africa’s most important economic partners and many exports enter Europe through the port of Antwerp, which is the second largest in European union ” Ramaphosa said. It plays an important role to South Africa as it boost its economy by investing in most of their companies and trading with them.

It is further stated that the two countries are pursuing cooperation in renewable energy which is green hydrogen. Belgium is traditionally in between the ten major sources of international tourists in South Africa.

“The programme of the Monarchs will include official engagements with the president of South Africa and members of Government as well as visits to Johannesburg and Cape Town where they will engage with academia, business  and visit historical and cultural sites.”  Ramaphosa concluded.