Belgium–Syria relations
Belgium–Syria relations were established on 20 March 1946 when M.R. Taymans was appointed as Chargé d'Affaires of Belgium to Syria with residence in Beirut.[1]
 | |
 Belgium |
 Syria |
|---|---|
| Diplomatic mission | |
| Belgian Embassy, Damascus (Closed) | Syrian Embassy, Brussels[a] |
While formal diplomatic relations have existed since Syria’s independence in 1946, the nature of these ties has varied significantly, particularly in response to regional conflicts and Belgium's stance on human rights.
Historical background
[edit]Diplomatic relations between Belgium and Syria began shortly after Syria’s independence from France in 1946. Throughout the 20th century, relations were generally amicable, with occasional cooperation on trade,[3] cultural exchanges,[4] and participation in international organizations.
Belgium maintained an embassy in Damascus, and Syria still has an embassy in Brussels.[5]
Economic relations
[edit]In the early 2000s, economic ties between Belgium and Syria saw gradual growth.[3] Belgium was an importer of Syrian textiles, agricultural products, and phosphates, while exporting machinery, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals to Syria.[citation needed] However, trade volume remained relatively modest compared to Syria's other European partners.
Trade relations declined considerably following the outbreak of the Syrian Civil War in 2011, as the EU imposed economic sanctions on Syria.[6]
Impact of the Syrian Civil War
[edit]The Syrian Civil War, which began in 2011, has profoundly impacted Belgian-Syrian relations. Belgium, in line with EU policy, condemned the Syrian government’s actions against civilians and supported the imposition of sanctions on Syrian officials, businesses, and government institutions.[7] In 2012, Belgium closed its embassy in Damascus as part of a broader EU diplomatic withdrawal from Syria.[8] The Belgian government has expressed support for the United Nations-led peace process to resolve the conflict.[7]
Humanitarian assistance
[edit]As the conflict escalated, Belgium became involved in providing humanitarian aid to Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons. Belgium has supported aid programs run by the United Nations, the Red Cross, and other international organizations.[9][10]
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In recent years, Belgium has received a significant number of Syrian refugees. By 2020, Syrians represented one of the largest groups of asylum seekers in Belgium. The Belgian government has implemented integration programs to help Syrian refugees settle and contribute to Belgian society.[11]
Counterterrorism and security
[edit]The conflict in Syria has also raised concerns in Belgium regarding radicalization and foreign fighters. Belgium is one of several European countries with a notable number of citizens who traveled to Syria to join armed groups.[12][13] Belgian authorities have collaborated with international agencies to address the return of foreign fighters and have worked to develop counter-radicalization programs within Belgium.[14] Blegium has also participated in The Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS.[15]
See also
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References
[edit]- ^ Belgisch staatsblad, Issues 121–150 (in French). 1946. 1946. p. 3990. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
- ^ "countries in which there is no diplomatic representation". Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates (in Arabic). Retrieved 29 October 2024.
- ^ a b "Syria and Belgium agree on signing multiple agreements on economic cooperation". KUNA (in Arabic). 7 February 1999.
- ^ "بحث علاقات التعاون مع بلجيكا". Syrian Ministry of Higher Education (in Arabic). 28 January 2010. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
- ^ "Syrian Embassy in Brussels". Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates – Syria. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
- ^ "Timeline – EU response to the Syrian crisis". European Council. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
- ^ a b "Belgium: a strong advocate for a lasting solution to the conflict in Syria". FPS Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation. 30 March 2021. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
- ^ "Belgium closes its embassy in Syria". Reuters. 28 March 2013. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
- ^ "Belgium continues to pay attention to the Syrian crisis". FPS Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation. 26 February 2020. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
- ^ "Belgium". UNHCR. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
- ^ "Belgium". UNHCR. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
- ^ The Role of Belgian Fighters in the Jihadification of the Syrian War (PDF) (Report). European Foundation for Democracy. 2017. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
- ^ "Belgium largest source of European fighters in Syria per head: study". Reuters. 14 April 2016. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
- ^ "Belgium takes back mothers and children from Syria jihadist camps". BBC News. 16 July 2021. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
- ^ "The Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS Partners". U.S. Department of State. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
Notes
[edit]- ^ Also responsible for Syrian interests in the Netherlands and Luxembourg[2]