I'm a proud Belgian tonight. No King nor PM to welcome Trump... Not even the Foreign Minister !
Last edited Tue Jul 10, 2018, 07:05 PM - Edit history (2)
I laughed out loud when I've read the article's conclusion in my newspaper ! 
He was welcomed when he first came by the PM and then received by the king.
Today, PM is in his village to watch the soccer game on big screen and the King is in St-Petersburg supporting our team.
Coincidentally, our State Foreign Minister is also in Russia, where he represents the Government in support of our players...
The article concludes that after all, it is not every day the World Cup!
In other words, a soccer game is far more important than the President of the world's leading military power, who came for a summit that concerns military issues... 
Renewed respect, he says.... Yes indeed !! 
Further information :
I searched to see who was in charge to welcome Trump. Good Lord ! He has been properly slapped ! The Officials were all Americans. The only Belgian Official was Françoise Gustin, the Director of Protocol. She's a high-ranking official; of course, but at a far less level than what you would expect when it comes to the President of the USA...
After all, Brussels is a Hellhole, isn't it ? What other welcoming would he expected ??? 
Video of this unforgettable moment !!
vimeo.com/279359682
= new reply since forum marked as read
Indeed ! 
He would have been welcomed with all due respect to an ally and a friend. 
In the article, it says it is not unusual as Brussels hosts 2 headquarters and has often international summits. Yes, but leaders of countries which have an important role on the world stage, are ALWAYS welcomed by the highest officials.
No wonder how Trump is seen...
I deeply appreciate showing you that you are important to us. 
I have a greater appreciation for Europe as a whole, since we were just in Germany visiting friends. We got a very good look at how you see us Americans and our politics. It was fascinating!
You're welcome my dear ! 
It's a great pleasure to show you that you're not alone and that we are at your side in this nightmare. 
He should be greeted this way by every head of state.
Not sure Trump will receive huge marks of respect wherever he'll land...
Because you KNOW he'd still fall for it!!
We could as well have spitted in his face !
The on belgian official was the Director of Protocol !
It is a high ranking official but not at a level expected for the President of USA...
Even us Coloradans.
Thanks, syringis. You're becoming one of my favorite OPers.
Thank you, I try to share all what I can to show on whose side we are 
I've edited for more information.
I was baffled when I've seen which official welcomed him !
fuck trump....I wish the Queen and the PM of England would do the same....I know the English have too much invested in the official protocol, even for a worthless POS like trump, I guess.
when in the presence of adults. But it would definitely be a chore!
The irony!
In French we say "donner des truffes a un cochon" which literally means "feeding pigs with truffles"
Teaching to Trump's officials, would be exactly like that !
I can't call them American officials since they work for him...
You gave me an idea ! I will submit it to my officials. Not sure sure they will apply it, but at least, they will laugh !
I hope there will be pics or a video of his "welcoming"
You will welcome him even better than us ! That giant balloon is a spot on !!
I have heard the Queen will not meet him ? Is it true ?
I know she has canceled many events lately. Maybe she will suffer some kind of "diplomatic" illness which will give her a reason to avoid him ?
I'm proud of the way you've stood in the face of the evil orange menace. Hear hear!!!
Made MY day to be sure. 
...you know, like put beet bottles on the fancy tables without coasters.
seriously, I suspect that running protocol for a country that cares about their reputation and how their actions are viewed globally - that's probably a pretty cool job. Just not cool enough to skip POTUS' arrival.
Sucks to be her.
In fact, The Director of Protocol is a high-ranking official. She often welcomes VIPs, even head of states.
But usually, when it comes to a leader of a country which plays a major role on the international stage, it is the PM who welcomes the VIP. Or to the very least, if for some reason he can't, it is the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
We are talking here the President of the world's leading military power, who came for a NATO summit...
It is absolutely unusual.
...I'm sure it's a demanding office and an important part of Belgium's global relationships.
There was a point in our history where we cared about protocol and how things looked on the global stage. It seems like so long ago but it was only about 22 months !
Sorry if it sounded catty - it probably was but not intentionally.
And now to add insult to injury, this is where I get to say "...but I really love Belgium...honest...I spent a ton of time there in the 80's living at the Hotel Amigo just off the Grand Place, chowing down at Chez Leon and La Maison du Cygne (among other places) in prep for the main course - Leonidas chocolate".
I'm sorry if I gave you this impression. I'm absolutely not offended.
I was just saying the same as you but not as well as you.
I meant even if it is a high ranking official, it is far less than what's expected for the President of the USA. 
...De Moslimexecutieve as the official welcome wagon. Nothing like a little diversity slap in the face after a long transatlantic flight to wake you up.
Speaking of which - did he really take the day flight ? WTF - he can't do the red eye. Com'on, the day flight is like going to the dinner at 4:30 (aka old folks time).
But first, thank you Belgium and thank you, darlin', for posting this delicious info.
1. Were any of the head of state protocols followed, such as a military honor guard and playing of the national anthems? If not, that was a five finger salute to Moron.
2. Was this broadcasted on Belgium TV? If so, please, please someone in Belgium put it on You Tube. We Yanks badly need to see this.
Belgium
You're welcome my dear. It's a pleasure for me to bring you a little comfort
I'm almost sure there was no military parade. It was probably the absolute minimum just to save (more or less) the appearances. In fact, it's a great slap !
He arrived around 9 PM. I've not seen yet any pics or video of his arrival, but I'm checking. I will post whatever I could find.
LOL ! I dreamed of a "golden shower" from our iconic statue to welcome him !
This to the top and tRump in the face!
so it's appreciated right here in North Georgia also.
Mahalo for sharing all the wonderful ways Belgium shut out the World's Monster Fraud!
for stress relief.......
Great post, Syringis - thanks. I hope all of NATO snubs him...... .........
Not sure Trump left any !
See my other post, my latest answer. I posted a better video, you can see him becoming increasingly mad !
I posted a video of his arrival in May. The difference between the arrivals is a perfect depiction of the total loss of respect, if he ever had any...
And for good measure, a video of my (our) idol : Obama motorcade in Brussels with a very, very special privilege, Harley Davidson motorcycles. They are only used for the King and sometimes for special foreign leaders to honor them.
just as much as we do!......
I'm just hoping Ms. Merkel or some other NATO official put him in his place today and he gets a very nasty reception in the UK.
Donald Trump to face 'carnival of resistance'
Dozens of groups and thousands of individuals will try to make US president’s visit uncomfortable
Link: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jul/09/donald-trump-to-face-carnival-of-resistance
(love that brick wall!)
..........
Duh! Of course a soccer game, even if it had been group stage and not a semi-final, is more important than meeting 45*!
