... The prince emphasizes that humor can solve many problems. He really starts getting in the subject and indicates that Belgium, with its different languages and cultures, offers an excellent platform for a leap to Europe, and from there to the rest of the world.
There are no more new continents to be discovered. There are more and more people on this planet. It can increase the tensions. Hence the importance of more and better communications, of language skills.I suddenly notice that the prince uses the Dutch word 'botsingen' in a French explanation. It's another indication of him being multilingual : bi- and multilingual people sometimes use a word of another language in their talk when they think that word expresses something quicker or more effectively.
According to prince Filip history has given us a chance we have to grasp with both hands. The Belgian model can help to solve problems in other countries. It might be useful for Israel, Russia, the Balcan and perhaps for the expansion of the EU. "Belgium has the responsability to do well."
The prince thinks we're certainly not doing too bad in our prosperous country, but emphasizes that there's still a lot of work in the laboratory that Belgium is. Day after day he says that there have to be talks about multiculturalism. And that it's lethal to exclude yourself from the rest of the world.
The prince has already seen quite a lot from the rest of the world, amongst others presiding Belgian trade missions. His advisors interrupts us when we start discussing foreign trade. It's of course a difficult question now that politicians are debating the Lambermontagreements. The agreements put the base of the foreign trade in charge of the regions.
But the prince wants to answer. For him what it comes down to is to improve his country's image and to make sure that our companies gets good contracts. How this is exactly established comes in second place.
He emphasizes that these economic missions now also have the goal to improve the image of our country. He refers to his travels to the USA, Thailand and Hongkong. "We scored good points and have put different pascets of Belgium on the foreground : lifestyle, fashion, diamonds, concerts, exhibitions...Belgium is a country of quality and qualityproducts, where it's good to live". And this was possible, because the regions collaborated.
To build bridges, to be constructif : it appears more than once in the inetrview. There's also being worked on a bridge between enterprise and diplomacy. It brings us to the EU and the upcoming EU-chairmanship of Belgium, with the political Declaration of Laken on the top of December.
There will also be a Declaration of Laken of youngsters from the whole of Europe. prince Filip and his foundation are a thriving force in this. 100 Belgian youngsters between 17 and 25 were brought together in 4 groups to think about Europe and its future. The prince personally collaborated at this project. Also ex prime minister Jean-Luc Dehaene, ex European commissary Karel Van Miert, minister of foreign affairs Louis Michel and European commissary Philippe Busquin helped to shape this initiative. On the conclusions of the youngsters will be debated by other youngsters in 14 other member states. At the end of the year there will be a mutual document that the young ones will hand over to the European leaders.
The prince dreams of a role for his city, Brussels, and his country, Belgium, within the European construction. Brussels has to surmount its status of European administrative center. it has to become a European meeting place of culture and intellect. A place where people from all over Europe came to talk about tolerance. We're already doing this in Belgium, as a country with different cultures this is our daily reality.
The prince has a very strong belief in Europe. He sees the European union as a trampoline for mondialisement. A tolerant, multicultural union, that isn't after becoming a hegemony.
"But I've done enough of talking." The prince poors the coffee himself and fires questions at us. How have we lived our exchange experience, for example? We thoroughly explain him it's been an extraordinary experience for us.
The interview has come to an end. the prince accompanies us to the door ofhis office and friendly says goodbye. His advisor escorts us out of the palace.
"Still 45 minutes as foreseen", I say to Olivier when we walk out. "two hours you mean." He shows me the time. It's already one o'clock. my wristwatch stopped. Time flies when you're talking to the future king of the Belgians.
Also thank you Larzen for the pictures you posted.
