Belgium moves to promote cultural exchange with Nigeria

The Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Stephane De Loecker, on Friday announced plans by a Belgian Cultural organisation to hold an exhibition of photographs, artworks and musical performances in Lagos, Nigeria.

Loecker made the announcement at this year’s first Breakfast Meeting organised by the Nigerian-Belgian Chamber of Commerce and the Belgian Documentation and Information Centre in Lagos.

The Envoy said that the exhibition, scheduled to hold from June to September this year, was meant to further promote cultural and person- to-person interaction between Nigerians and Belgians.

“A major Belgian Cultural Institution, located in Brussels, is set to organise a major exhibition of photographs, artworks and musical performances in Lagos from June to September, this year.

“This will be an extraordinary opportunity for Nigerians and Belgians to interact, as well one for Nigeria to showcase her dynamism, diversity and creativity,’’ he said.

The Ambassador said that he particularly recognised the importance of the Nigeria movie and the music industry, and urged them to continue with their performances that had earned them international recognition.

He said that there had over the years been “traditionally good’’ bilateral relations between Nigeria and Belgium, adding that the relations would be strengthened in the years ahead.

Loecker also said that some Belgian companies in different parts of Nigeria had over the years contributed to the expansion of Nigeria’s economy.

“For instance, most of the refined palm oil in the Nigerian markets comes from a Belgian-owned high-quality plantation in Benin-City, Edo State.

“And many more Belgian companies are to cooperate with Nigerian investors in the development of the state-of-the art agro-industry,’’ he added.