السفير البلجيكي في لبنان أرناوت باولوس ملقيا كلمته بمناسبة عيد الملك
Masdar Diplomacy
By Marlene Khalifeh
The Embassy of Belgium in Lebanon hosted a warm and dignified reception at the residence of Ambassador Arnout Paulus to mark Belgium’s King’s Day, under the joint invitation of Ambassador Paulus and Belgian Defence Attaché Colonel De Manon.
The evening highlighted Belgium’s cultural richness, diplomatic presence, and its deepening engagement with Lebanon’s social and humanitarian needs.
Ambassador Paulus Sets the Tone: Diplomacy, Gratitude, and a Focus on Mental Health
The reception opened with the playing of the Belgian and Lebanese national anthems—an exchange that prompted Ambassador Paulus to remark with a smile that “the Lebanese have won the singing contest.” He explained that the reception was intentionally intimate this year, centered around Belgians and the military, while also welcoming diplomats “with a relation to today’s event.”
He extended heartfelt acknowledgments to his team, thanking Amal, and especially Charbel, who has taken care of the residence and its garden for 35 years.
He also recognized the leadership of the Belgian Business Club for Lebanon (BBCL), congratulating its president, Martine, and describing the club and its members as “key in bridging Belgium and Lebanon,” including through their cultural support.
Ambassador Paulus highlighted the presence of students from the Ali Hashmi Bakery School, a social initiative of the Lebanese-Belgian company Bano Puratos. Their desserts, he noted, reflect a remarkable program that supports youth from disadvantaged backgrounds and trains them professionally.
Recalling last year’s reception—held during a period of intense bombardment—Ambassador Paulus described it as an act of resilience:
“Life needs to continue,” he said. Yet he noted that the ceasefire that followed “was a one-sided ceasefire. So the violence continues. And this is something that needs to be addressed again.”
He turned to a theme central to Belgium’s current humanitarian focus: mental health in Lebanon. Praising Lebanese resilience across more than fifty years of instability, he cautioned that beneath this strength lies a profound and growing mental-health crisis fueled by stress, economic hardship, and social stigma.
At this point, he emphasized the role of Queen Mathilde, saying:
“She is particularly interested in mental health, in all the vulnerabilities in society.”
Queen Mathilde, he reminded the audience, is an advocate for the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially the mental well-being of vulnerable populations.
UNICEF’s recent survey underscored the scale of mental health needs, prompting Belgium’s close engagement with WHO, UNFPA, and UNICEF—though the latter could not attend the event.
Ambassador Paulus gave particular attention to the Psychiatric Hospital of La Croix—a school, a set of retirement homes, and one of the largest psychiatric hospitals in the Middle East. He praised its staff of nurses, doctors, lay personnel, and religious sisters, many of whom have worked with almost no state support for five to six years.
A sister representing the institution spoke lovingly of their mission:
“These patients are blessings for us… They are graces for us.”
She concluded that they hoped to deserve “the next visit of the Pope,” which she described as their miracle.
The Ambassador invited guests to make a donation on their way out, recalling last year’s successful symbolic support for the Red Cross.
He ended his address with characteristic lightness:
“I would also like to do a bit of advertising for Belgian beer,” he said, pointing to the wide selection—strong, regular, and non-alcoholic. Guests were invited to raise their glasses for the forthcoming toast.
The Belgian Culinary Signature: Carbonade Flamande as the Evening’s Heart
A notable highlight of the reception was the refined array of Belgian dishes, with special pride devoted to Carbonade Flamande, Belgium’s quintessential Flemish stew.
The dish embodies the essence of Belgian comfort cuisine:
- slow-cooked beef simmered for hours until tender;
- caramelized onions lending sweetness and depth;
- a blend of herbs such as thyme, bay leaf, and clove;
- and most distinctively, dark Belgian beer, which infuses the stew with a malty richness and subtle bitterness balanced by brown sugar or a smear of mustard.
Traditionally paired with Belgian fries or rustic bread, Carbonade Flamande stands as a symbol of Belgium’s warmth, conviviality, and culinary identity. Guests enjoyed this as a centerpiece of the evening’s gastronomic experience, along with a diverse selection of Belgian beer.
Colonel De Manon Explains the Significance of King’s Day
After the Ambassador’s intervention, Belgian Defence Attaché Colonel De Manon took the floor to explain the historical and symbolic meaning of King’s Day.
Addressing ambassadors, Lebanese Armed Forces representatives—including General Khoury—and the assembled diplomatic and military community, he delivered a comprehensive and engaging account.
He opened with humor, noting that Belgium was celebrating two days early, adding, “Maybe we can keep the party going for three days.”
He explained that Belgium, like many monarchies, does not celebrate the king’s birthday. Instead—true to Belgian compromise—it chose the feast day of Saint Leopold, a date that honors Kings Leopold I, II, and III simultaneously and avoids the complexity of choosing among royal birthdays.
More importantly, he said, King’s Day is about the monarchy as an institution:
- a pillar of continuity,
- a symbol of neutrality,
- and a safeguard of constitutional stability.
“In Belgium,” he stressed, “we sometimes need this.”
The king, he continued, serves as a unifying figure rising above political, linguistic, and cultural divisions:
“King’s Day is a moment to reflect on what brings us together. Despite our linguistic and cultural differences… we are one nation, united by shared values.”
He added that many countries could benefit from such a symbolic commemoration.
For Belgian military personnel, King’s Day marks the annual renewal of their oath of loyalty. In keeping with tradition, he invited the audience to join him in the ceremonial toast.
Long Live the King
Glasses were raised across the residence’s hall.
“Long Live the King!”
“Long Live the King!” the guests echoed in unison.
Ambassador Paulus then invited everyone to enjoy the buffet—and particularly the Belgian beer—an open, convivial finale to an evening that gracefully intertwined diplomacy, culture, history, and solidarity.
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