What better way to ring in the Belgian King’s Day than to cut a large, bespoke cake, prepared obviously with the finest Belgian chocolate, and decorated with a most suitable symbol – a crown. 
As the Belgian Embassy in Doha celebrated the Belgian King’s Day at the Belgian ambassador’s residence last week, dozens of guests and dignitaries joined in the joy and fervour, with the warm reception also seeing the official launch of the Belgian Culinary Days. The special cake was made by Jean Corne; his brand has an outlet in The Pearl and he represents the fourth generation of a family of artisan chocolatiers.
The second edition of Belgian Culinary Days at Market by Jean-Georges in W Doha features a Belgian menu blending traditional Belgian dishes with the signature touch of Chef Frank Fol – served at The Market restaurant in W Doha, until November 26. The Belgian culinary days are organised by the embassy in partnership with Flanders Investment & Trade and the Belgian Business Club Qatar. 
Ever since 1866, the King’s Day has been celebrated in honour of the Belgian monarch. The Belgian Embassy in Doha was honouring His Majesty King Philippe who succeeded his father on July 21, 2013, and incidentally, was also celebrating the 10th anniversary of the opening of the Belgian embassy in Doha. The event was catered by the W Doha Hotel & Residences.
In his elaborate speech, Christophe Payot, ambassador of Belgium to Qatar, explained that in the beginning, the relationship between Qatar and Belgium was mainly economic and commercial. “The two long-term contracts signed in 2006 for the delivery of LNG to our gas terminal in Zeebrugge are the most obvious examples. Our companies have also participated in the main infrastructure projects, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030 under the wise leadership of the HH the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, and now of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani,” he said, “Over the years, we have seen an evolution in the activities of our companies.” 
Touching upon various aspects of Belgium’s relationship with Qatar, Payot said, “Our economic and trade relations received a boost with the 400-people delegation presided over by her Royal highness Princess Astrid, as representative of His Majesty the King, who came to Qatar in March 2015. The follow-up mission led by HE the Minister of Economy and Commerce, Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim al-Thani, last May, in Brussels, allowed for the further deepening of the contacts and business relations. In 2015, our trade volume reached almost 1.5 billion EUR, with an increase of the Belgian exports by 56 per cent (for a total 320 million EUR). Despite the current economic situation, the figures for 2016 remain strong.”
At the political level, the developments in the Arab world have demonstrated the need for closer co-operation and exchanges, said Payot. “What is affecting our common neighbourhood is affecting us, in the Gulf and in Europe. Terrorism and migration are two clear issues where more co-operation is needed. I wish to thank here the Qatari authorities and all our friends in Doha for the support and solidarity we received after the tragic terrorist attacks in Brussels last March. The same kind of co-operation is needed for solving the Syrian and Libyan crisis, ensuring peaceful and good neighbourly relations in this region, free of nuclear proliferation, but also for resolving the Palestinian issue. Meetings at the highest levels have been taking place and I’m glad that others are planned in the coming months.”
Speaking on sports, the ambassador pointed out how sports co-operation, too, is in full swing. “In football, the Belgian team of Eupen, belonging to Aspire, reached this season the Belgian Premiere League. This will provide the young Qatari talents playing there with a unique experience and contribute to improving their skills and level in view of 2022. And of course, we are proud that Belgian companies are involved in two of the stadiums currently under construction. This should give an advantage to the Belgian Red Devils for winning the World Cup!”
Upon launching of the Belgian Culinary Days, Payot said, “For this edition, we are proud to welcome celebrity chef Frank Fol, nicknamed the Vegetable Chef. He has been president of the Mastercooks of Belgium since 2012 and used to run a one-star Michelin restaurant. He has prepared a special Belgian menu combining his touch with some more traditional Belgian dishes.”