Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Burundi
On august 9, 2023, the Head of Diplomatic Mission of Burundi in Brussels, H.E. Ambassador Thérence NTAHIRAJA responded to the invitation of the President of the National Federation of the Combatants of Belgium (F.N.C), accompanied by Mame Espérance UWIMANA, the first Advisor, and by Mr. Dieudonné Constantin NIYUHIRE, the second Advisor. Ambassador Thérence NTAHIRAJA was warmly welcomed by Mr. Léon De Turck, the President of the said Federation.
After the usual greetings, the President of the National Federation of the Combatants of Belgium (F.N.C) gave a brief history on the creation of that National Federation by the survivors of the First World War, its functioning, its activities and he showed the Burundian delegation the buildings which house that Federation with the explanations relating to the different historical paintings and flags of Belgium during the two great Wars. He stressed that the F.N.C, since its creation, mainly benefits from the funds which come from the contributions of its members and the honorary members. However, the King of the Belgians honors that National Federation every year.
During their discussions, Mr Léon De TURCK, President of the National Federation of Combatants of Belgium, informed that the National Federation of Combatants of Belgium (F.N.C) aims at defending the rights of the Combatants and the assimilated people, to help to the underprivileged and the tribute to the memory of the dead of the two Wars. The federation organizes each year in different provinces or cities of Belgium the commemorative ceremonies in memory of all those who gave themselves for the liberation of Belgium. At each of its national congresses, the National Federation of Belgian Combatants (F.N.C) also reaffirms its maintenance of the Unity of the Country, its unwavering attachment to the Dynasty and the respect for the National Flag. He explained that the commemorative ceremonies should not be limited to the large-scale Wars, but honor all soldiers who sacrificed their lives for peace.
He continued by explaining that in order to perpetuate the memory of the patriots killed on the battlefield during the two World Wars, the memorial monuments have already been built in certain municipalities of the Kingdom of Belgium. The project to construct those monuments continues to be executed.
In turn, the Head of Diplomatic Mission of Burundi in Brussels His Excellency Ambassador Thérence NTAHIRAJA appreciated the warm welcome reserved for him and his delegation. Ambassador Thérence NTAHIRAJA informed the President of the F.N.C that there are also Commbatants’ associations in Burundi, but the internal organization differs depending on the country.
Ambassador Thérence NTAHIRAJA also informed the Belgian side that the various associations of Combatants in Burundi could learn a lot of things about the F.N.C given their degree of organization from the point of view of acquiring the funds which run the Federation as well as the search for partners. HE Mr Ambassador Thérence NTAHIRAJA warmly congratulated Mr Léon De Turck, the former Belgian military Officer and President of the National Federation of Combatants of Belgium (F.N.C), for his exemplary coordination of that Federation and for his very remarkable achievements.
At the end of the discussions, Mr Léon De Turck, the former Belgian military Officer and President of the National Federation of Combatants of Belgium (F.N.C) presented his sincere congratulations to HE Mr Ambassador Thérence NTAHIRAJA for his efforts in the improvement and revitalization of the bilateral relations and cooperation between Burundi and the Kingdom of Belgium. He also presented his sincere thanks, compliments and gratitude to HE Ambassador Thérence NTAHIRAJA for having responded regularly to the invitations of the F.N.C since his arrival in Brussels.
The President of the National Federation of Belgian Combatants (F.N.C) also testified how the Embassy of Burundi in Brussels has developed the good relations with that Federation.
He finally surprised Ambassador Thérence NTAHIRAJA by telling him that the Panel of Directors of the F.N.C had decided to decorate him by granting him “the TITLE OF HONOR” materialized by the Certificate of Honor, a Medal of Merit and two Peace Medals, and by naming him Honorary the Member of that National Foundation.
