The Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever (Flemish nationalist) held a meeting with the US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem on Wednesday morning. They met at the Havenhuis in Mr De Wever’s home city of Antwerp. The meeting focused on port security and cooperation in the fight against international organised crime.
The Federal Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden (Flemish Christian Democrat), the Interior Minister Bernard Quintin (Francophone Liberal) and the Asylum and Migration Minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt (Flemish nationalist) were also in Antwerp for Ms Noem’s visit as was the Mayor of Antwerp Els van Doesburg (Flemish nationalist).
Just prior to Ms Noem's arrival, Mr De Wever told journalists that the visit was taking place at the Americans' request. "She asked to visit us, not the other way around. I see this as a sign of appreciation for the years of global lobby work that I have been doing. I have been to Washington DC many times, to the Homeland Security Department, to the Customs Office, to the International Maritime Organisation, to all the shipping companies, to talk about this. I now hope to make progress, for example, in forcing the ports in South America and the shipping companies to take more action. We need the Americans in ordert to do this."
Ms Noem is a confidante of US President Donald Trump. In a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister De Wever, one of the topics discussed was the fight against international drug smuggling via the port of Antwerp. For years, the port has been considered an important hub for cocaine trafficking to Europe.
In addition to the bilateral meeting between the Belgian Prime Minister and the US Secretary of Homeland Security, there was also a round of talks with a larger delegation.