Lithuanian president is first head of state to visit king Philippe

Lithuanian president Dalia Grybauskaite met with king Philippe to discuss bilateral relations between Lithuania and Belgium as well as European and international issues, becoming the first foreign head of state to meet with the new Belgian king, writes the Baltic Course’s Petras Vaida. "The successful history of Belgo-Lithuanian relations started in the interwar period,” the president said. “Today our partnership continues to expand: economic ties are growing stronger, we are closely cooperating in international organizations, and Belgian fighter jets are now protecting the Baltic airspace".  She pointed out that successful bilateral cooperation with Belgium would be developed further. Lithuania and Belgium enjoy intensive trade with increasingly growing volumes, with a 21% growth recorded in the first half of this year alone. Last year's trading volume with Belgium amounted to €955m. Lithuania has also signed agreements with Flanders and Wallonia – on cooperation in the fields of innovation, transport, culture, education, and tourism.