On the morning of Thursday, September 8, 2016, Their Majesties King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium hosted the 13th Summit for Heads of German Speaking States at the Kloster Heidberg in Eupen, Belgium.  Those in attendance at today’s meeting included His Royal Highness Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, His Serene Highness Hereditary Prince Alois of Liechtenstein, the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mr. Joachim Gauck, the President of the Swiss Confederation, Mr. Johann Schneider-Ammann along with government officials from Belgium, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Germany, and Luxembourg.

Discussions during the meeting focused on the “…economic challenges in each country, but also the means used to fight against terrorism…” according to the Belgian newspaper, La Meuse.

Meanwhile, Her Majesty Queen Mathilde of Belgium along with Her Serene Hereditary Princess Sophie of Liechtenstein, Ms. Daniela Schadt (partner of Presdient. Joachim Gauck), and Mrs. Katharina Schneider-Ammann (wife of President Johann Schneider-Ammann) visited the Belgischen Rundfunk- und Fernsehzentrum der Deutschsprachigen Gemeinschaft (BRF) and the Musée de la Poterie in Raeren.

In the afternoon, Their Majesties accompanied by their guests attending the summit attended a conference held at the German Community Parliament in Eupen.  The day ended with a tour of the Zentrum fur Forderpadagogik also located in Eupen.

 Click here  and here to watch video news reports.

Click here and here to view photos.

On Wednesday, September 7, 2016, His Majesty King Philippe of Belgium hosted a reception at Château de Laeken in Brussels for members participating in the 13th Summit for Heads of German Speaking States.

Guests attendance at this afternoon’s reception included His Royal Highness Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, His Serene Highness Hereditary Prince Alois of Liechtenstein, and the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mr. Joachim Gauck to name a few.

Photo courtesy of the Belgian royal court