Gracefully descended from the European skies, Princess Astrid of Belgium landed in Sydney, heralding the commencement of an economic mission to foster and fortify ties between her homeland and Australia. As the representative of Belgian royalty, the objective of her diplomatic visit lies in strengthening the economic bridges connecting the two countries.
Her arrival in Sydney marked the beginning of her journey and she was courteously welcomed by NSW Premier Chris Minns at the NSW parliament. The economic relationship between Australia and Belgium is deeply rooted in history, and the recent data showing Australia’s exports to Belgium valued at an impressive $2.6bn in 2022 reinforces the same.
Elegantly presenting herself, her royal highness was sighted sporting a deluxe Gucci belt, worth $825, paired with a fashionably tailored denim blue dress. Adding to her royal ensemble was a striking floral brooch, in harmony with a black and gold handbag she held in her possession.
Her itinerary includes a visit to Sydney and Melbourne with this being the first Belgian economic mission to Australia in over a decade. The princess is accompanied by foreign affairs minister Hadja Lahbib of Belgium amongst other distinguished delegates.
In an endeavor to strengthen diplomatic ties, Michel Goffin, Belgium’s ambassador to Australia expressed the intent of this mission to accentuate economic relationships between Australia, Belgium, and the EU considerably. He pointed out the mission as a crucial opportunity to bolster strategic sectors like infrastructure, medicine, and green technology, securing a successful alliance for the forthcoming decade and fortifying mutuality in the current complex global stage.
The European Australian Business Council CEO, Jason Collins, remarked that this journey would significantly contribute to the enhancement of business relations between the nations. He further added that the vast and diverse array of companies visiting from Belgium mirrors Australia’s stature as a vital trading ally, underlining the immense business potential present on both sides.
As per Mr. Collins, the mission marks a crucial milestone aiming to celebrate the robust trade linkage and explore avenues to further amplify it. An interesting note to complete the regal portrait of Princess Astrid is that she is the second offspring and the first daughter of King Albert II and Queen Paola, and holds a special place in Belgian monarchy as the younger sibling to the reigning monarch, King Philippe.
