The Belgian embassy in Kyiv, headed by Ambassador Peter Van De Velde, will reopen next Monday, Belga News Agency reports.
As soon as the Belgian diplomatic team arrives in the Ukrainian capital, local staff will gradually resume work alongside them, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo’s office announced on Thursday.
The reopening was made possible by a joint security analysis carried out in recent weeks by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defense. Following this analysis, the required measures were taken to make sure the teams on site would be able to work safely, the Prime Minister’s office indicated.
“The reopening of our embassy should allow closer contacts with the Ukrainian authorities, especially in the context of the security situation and Ukraine’s application for EU membership. This is an important signal of resilience and support for the Ukrainians,” Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said.
“The return of our diplomatic teams to Kyiv is also important in view of reconstruction, for which Belgian companies have a definite role to play,” added the Prime Minister, who spoke with Ambassador Van De Velde before his departure for Kyiv.
The Belgian Embassy in Kyiv, which had to close at the end of February due to the advance of the Russian army, will initially focus on diplomatic services and contacts with the Ukrainian authorities.
Consular services for Belgians will continue to be provided by the Belgian Embassy in Poland “until further notice.”
