On January 11, 2024, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib jointly inaugurated the new premises of the Belgian Embassy in China. The inauguration ceremony was attended by visiting Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo.

Wang Yi, on behalf of the Chinese government, extended sincere congratulations on the inauguration of the new Belgian Embassy in China.

Wang Yi pointed out that in Chinese culture, a new residence brings a new atmosphere, represents a new starting point, and begins a new journey, which is also what China expects from China-Belgium and China-EU relations. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Belgium more than 50 years ago, the two sides have adhered to mutual respect and pursued mutual benefits and win-win results. Bilateral relations have achieved substantial development and brought tangible benefits to the two peoples. China and Belgium are both open economies. Expanding two-way opening-up and deepening practical cooperation fully serve the common interests of both sides. Wang Yi expressed the belief that Prime Minister Alexander De Croo's visit will inject new vitality into expanding bilateral cooperation and serving the development of the two countries.

Wang Yi said, China-EU relations have shown a positive momentum. Not long ago, the China-EU Summit was successfully held in Beijing. The two sides agreed to strengthen dialogue and cooperation to add stability to the complex and volatile international situation and provide certainty for the recovery of the world economy. Belgium has just taken over the rotating presidency of the EU, and China is ready to work with Belgium to promote the sustained and steady development of China-EU relations.

Wang Yi stressed that China's development always strengthens the world's forces for peace, and it is an opportunity for the common development of all countries. Wang Yi expressed the hope that the Belgian Embassy in China will continue to play its role as a bridge and bond and make new contributions to enhancing understanding, expanding exchanges and deepening cooperation between China and Belgium and between China and the EU.

Alexander De Croo and Hadja Lahbib said in their speeches that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Belgium and China, the two sides have always adhered to mutual respect and kept enhancing mutual understanding. Bilateral relations have witnessed prosperous development, achieving fruitful results and showing great potential. The opening of the new Belgian Embassy in China reflects the importance of Belgium-China relations and the sincere willingness of Belgium to deepen its relationship with China. Belgium and China as well as the EU and China are indispensable partners in steering the development of global governance in the right direction. Belgium is willing to take the rotating presidency of the EU as an opportunity to strengthen dialogue and cooperation with China in various fields, jointly meet common challenges and work for greater development of Belgium-China and EU-China relations.

Wang Yi and Hadja Lahbib then jointly inaugurated the new premises of the Belgian Embassy in China under the witness of Prime Minister Alexander De Croo.