on the 4th of June, Minister-president Geert Bourgeois had his first audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican. Earlier this year, the Government of Flanders opened a new diplomatic post in Rome.
The Minister-president later met with Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin. The topics discussed included poverty reduction, Flanders’ Development Cooperation, Flemish peace initiatives and respect for human rights.
“In recent years, Flanders had more than ever focused on its international relations,” according to Minister-president Bourgeois. “It is an opportunity for me to discuss political and social challenges in Flanders.”
