US-Belgian relations

In 1832, diplomatic relations were established between the countries after Belgium declared independence from the Netherlands . The USA and Belgium are allies that maintain close relations of cooperation on a number of foreign policy issues. Belgians treat Americans well, remembering that as a result of US assistance, Belgium was liberated from Nazi Germany in 1944. Since then, Belgium has been living in close cooperation with the United States on a bilateral basis, within the framework of international and regional organizations to promote economic and political cooperation, as well as assistance to developing countries. The United States appreciates Belgian participation in international affairs, including its participation in the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan , participation in the UN mission in Lebanon , the EU mission in Mali, and NATO’s 2010-2011 operations in Libya . In addition, Belgium is one of the key humanitarian aid providers to Africa , Afghanistan and Syria . As a host country in the EU and NATO, Belgium plays an important role in conducting transatlantic dialogues between European Foreign Ministers and the US Secretary of State.

Belgium is a member of the European Union and seeks to expand trade relations with non-EU countries. In Belgium, there are branches of hundreds of American firms, many of which have their European headquarters in Brussels . US companies are widely represented in the chemical, automotive, petroleum, and pharmaceutical industries. A number of American companies have opened banks, law firms, recruitment agencies, etc. in Belgium. Belgium participates in the visa-free entry program to the United States, which allows citizens of participating countries to arrive in the United States for tourist purposes for 90 days or less without a visa.

• US-Belgian relations on the website of the US Department of State . (eng.)