Security Measures Increased in Brussels Ahead of NATO Summit

U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Brussels is taking place amid heightened security measures coordinated with the American president’s participation in the NATO summit.

Approximately two thousand Belgian police officers have been deployed to the capital, and the U.S. presidential protection team has also sent several hundred security personnel and special protective staff to Belgium.

Donald Trump, the U.S. president, who is currently on his first foreign trip in his capacity as president, has previously visited Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the Vatican, and after meeting with Pope Francis, the leader of Catholics worldwide, has entered Brussels.

According to Belgian newspapers, after President Trump’s aircraft landed at Brussels Airport, the airport was temporarily closed. Additionally, roads surrounding the airport were also closed for the presidential convoy to pass so that the president’s entourage could enter the city.

Unlike Barack Obama, President Trump will not be staying at a hotel while in Brussels.

On Wednesday and Thursday, coinciding with the U.S. president’s presence in Brussels, traffic restrictions have been imposed in certain areas of the capital.

The area surrounding the Royal Palace, NATO headquarters, buildings belonging to the European Union, Brussels hotels, and several surrounding streets are among these areas.

Only local residents, delegations participating in the summit, security forces, and individuals holding special transit passes are permitted to pass through these areas.

The U.S. president will meet with King Philippe of Belgium and Charles Michel, Belgian Foreign Minister, in Brussels.

These meetings are scheduled at the U.S. Embassy in Brussels. After his visit to the European Union headquarters, he will participate in the NATO leaders’ summit. U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis will accompany the president at the NATO summit.

On the sidelines of this summit, the U.S. president will also meet with Emmanuel Macron, President of France. President Trump will leave Brussels after participating in the summit to head to Sicily to participate in the Group of Seven countries summit.

First Lady Melania Trump, however, has a very different schedule for her trip to Brussels and is focusing more on cultural programs. Mrs. Trump is scheduled to visit the René Magritte Museum in Brussels.

Belgian newspapers have reported that opponents of Mr. Trump’s presence in Brussels have planned several protests and gatherings.

Monday night saw a terrorist attack in Manchester, England that left 22 dead. However, Belgian authorities say they have taken all necessary security measures ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s trip to Brussels and that there is no need to raise the security alert level throughout the country or deploy additional police forces.

The mayor of Brussels said on Tuesday: Maximum security measures are being taken ahead of the NATO summit, and all possible scenarios have been considered.

Yvan Mayeur emphasized that since last year’s terrorist attacks on Brussels Airport and metro, systematic measures have been designed and implemented, and currently security measures are being applied at the highest possible level.

The security alert level throughout Belgium has been at level 3 since last year’s attacks and, according to Belgian security officials, will remain at this level.

Source: Voice of America