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Switzerland-Belgium RelationsTies between Belgium and Switzerland date back to the first half of the 19th century, when they faced a similar political situation: at the time, the two countries had liberal government systems and were surrounded by conservative great powers. As early as 1838, a convention was signed regulating mutual freedom of establishment. In 1840, Belgium opened an embassy in Switzerland. The Belgian representative held the title of ambassador – a status that in Switzerland was otherwise only accorded to the representatives of France and the Holy See. In 1862, the two countries signed their first trade and friendship agreement on a most-favoured-nation basis. The Swiss embassy in Brussels was opened in 1918. The First World War strengthened ties between the Swiss and the Belgian people. German troops ignored Belgian neutrality, drawing sharp criticism, particularly in Western Switzerland. Switzerland took in 2,000 hospitalised Belgian children, and interned 4,500 wounded officers and soldiers, and 6,000 refugees. King Albert I introduced the tradition of regular royal family visits to Switzerland. In 1935, the wife of King Leopold III, Queen Astrid, had a fatal accident in Küssnacht (SZ). Between 1945 and 1950, Leopold III and his family lived in exile in Switzerland. His son, Prince Baudouin, was educated in Switzerland. Following his accession to the throne as King Baudouin I (1951), he continued to cultivate good relations with Switzerland. In 1989, he was received for a state visit in Switzerland. Eleven years later, on 21 and 22 November 2002, King Albert II made a state visit to Switzerland. Switzerland and Belgium have a number of things in common: they are both multilingual countries, have a federal constitution and are home to international institutions, and their populations are similar in size. The two countries maintain thriving diplomatic, economic and cultural exchanges. Today, Switzerland is the ninth biggest investor in Belgium. It enjoys a good image in Belgium and is a very popular tourist destination for Belgian holidaymakers. Key aspects of diplomatic relations The two countries work together in various areas, such as the fight against terrorism, migration issues, science and development cooperation. Belgium and Switzerland frequently support each other in international candidatures. Economic cooperation Switzerland and Belgium maintain dynamic economic relations: The trade volume, i.e. the two countries' combined exports and imports, amounts to approximately CHF 10 billion. Switzerland regularly runs a trade deficit with Belgium, albeit a decreasing one. The principal categories of goods traded between the two countries are pharmaceutical products, machinery, precious metals, aircraft and vehicles, and motor fuels. Swiss companies in Belgium are mainly active in the following sectors: food, industry, cement, pharmaceutical products, watches, banks, insurance, and logistics. The Swiss chamber of commerce in Belgium has more than 200 members. Switzerland is also a popular destination for Belgian tourists. Cooperation in the field of education The two countries have not signed any agreements on education and research. There are, however, various bilateral and multilateral cooperation agreements between universities in the two countries as well as contacts between Swiss cantons and Belgian municipalities. Swiss higher education institutions, particularly the Swiss federal institutes of technology, are popular among Belgian students. In addition, there is a significant level of cooperation on projects among scientists and researchers from the two countries. Scholars and artists from Belgium can apply for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships to the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). Swiss nationals in Belgium At the end of 2012, there were 7,439 Swiss citizens living in Belgium, 5,373 of whom were dual citizens. Cultural exchanges The two countries maintain close cultural relations, particular in the fields of music, dance, the fine arts, cinema, theatre and numerous festivals. Two exhibitions at the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels were cultural highlights: one on Hans Arp in 2004 and the other on Paul Klee in 2008. In 2013, there was also a Le Corbusier exhibition in Brussels. The Swiss embassy supports various events and projects to promote Swiss arts and culture in Belgium. A SwissBel Doujinshi :D bobeirasdaboo.tumblr.com/post/… |