Belgium–France relations
Belgium–France relations refer to interstate relations between Belgium and France. Relations were established after the independence of Belgium. Both nations are great allies. Both nations have cultural similarities. Both nations are members of NATO and the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie and both were founding members of the European Union.History
Diplomatic visits
In May 2007, French President Nicolas Sarkozy visited Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt.
In February 2008, Prime Minister Verhofstadt visited President Sarkozy.
In February 2014, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde visited Paris, where they were welcomed during a visite de Courtoisie. They were received by the President François Hollande.Economic cooperation
In 2007, French president Sarkozy and Belgian Prime Minister Verhofstadt called for the euro zone to have an economic government.
In September 2008, the French government acted with the Belgian government and with other stakeholders to grant Franco-Belgian bank Dexia a €6.4 billion bailout.Agreements
The two countries signed a trade agreement in 1934.
In 1997, French and Belgian defence ministers Alain Richard and Jean-Paul Poncelet signed an agreement providing for Belgium's use of the French armed forces' Syracuse communication satellite system.
