Mr De Croo at the White House: President Biden seeks Belgian help over Gaza ceasefire

Mr Biden outlined a new Israeli ceasefire plan shortly before his meeting with Mr De Croo on Friday. It consists of three phases. The plan was one of the topics of discussion during Belgian Prime Minister De Croo's visit to the White House. The two leaders spoke for about an hour.

The prime minister wanted to discuss the Gaza conflict with Mr Biden anyway, not only because the US is a key diplomatic player in the search for a solution, but also because the US was more reluctant to hold Israel to account at the beginning of the conflict.

The premier was eager to convey the message that the violence has to stop and discuss how partner countries could help in this process. ‘The president explicitly asked Belgium to convince the Palestinians to sit around the table with him,’ Mr De Croo told newsmen.

Mr Biden had noted that Mr De Croo was one of the first leaders, at the gates of Rafah, to explicitly call for a ceasefire. The US president also explained to the Belgian leader that he has the same goal as Belgium: to end the bloodshed in Gaza.

Thanks for supporting Ukraine

The US president also thanked Belgium for its continued support for Ukraine, including its promise to send F-16 fighter-jets. ‘Belgium wants to send 30 jets and has thus become the biggest supplier,’ Mr De Croo added.

The leaders also discussed Belgium's leading role in releasing the profits on Russian assets that are largely held in our country to support Ukraine. Mr De Croo also discussed this with Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen.

A similar proposal is also being discussed within the G7 grouping seven leading western economies. President Biden also showed interest in the expertise our country has built up, and the sensitivities involved. He showed understanding for the need to ensure the stability of securities house Euroclear.

Elections ahead

The conversation also touched on the upcoming elections in Belgium. According to Mr De Croo, President Biden was well informed about the Belgian situation. Possible Russian interference in the elections was also discussed.

"We discussed the possible dangers facing next week's elections and the president thanked Belgium for the efforts we are making to highlight possible interference," Mr De Croo said.

The Belgian premier is the first Belgian prime minister in 18 years to be invited to the White House. The timing - in the middle of the election campaign - is remarkable.

"International developments do not take account of the political agenda and the fact that there are elections next week. We see that pressure from Russia has risen sharply and of course we have to respond to that. The best we can do is to be here with the most important man in the world and say: we are partners and we are going to defend each other," Mr De Croo noted. "The recognition of the role Belgium plays is the result of all Belgians working together."