Barack Obama welcomed by Belgian royalty ahead of speech at Flemish tech event
King Philippe and his daughter, Crown Princess Elisabeth, received former US president Barack Obama at the Castle of Laeken on Sunday. Later in the day, Obama will travel to Puurs Sint-Amands in Antwerp province to give a speech at a technology conference.
King Philippe previously welcomed Obama to the palace in 2014 as part of a state visit that was followed by his participation in the G7 summit.
Obama is expected late on Sunday afternoon at the Studio 100 pop-up theatre in Puurs-Saint-Amand for a talk entitled An Evening with President Barack Obama, as a prelude to the Supernova technology festival organised by Flanders Technology and Innovation (FTI).
The FTI Festival is an umbrella term for festivals in six cities, taking place between 15 and 24 March. Obama will "take part in a moderated discussion about the challenges we face and his vision for the future". The Antwerp festival will also feature speakers from technology and innovation companies such as IDEO, Tesla, NASA, Apple and Wired.
Security measures
Strict security measures are in place In Puurs-Sint-Amands, about 25km south of the city of Antwerp, during Obama's visit. Drones will be banned in the vicinity of the theatre from 12.00 to 22.00 on Sunday.
"Everything is in place, and now all we can do is wait in suspense"
Mayor Koen Van den Heuvel said the temporary drone ban was at the request of security forces to ensure the safety of the airspace during the event. Like other dignitaries, Obama will arrive at the venue with a police escort and the venue will undergo a security sweep before his arrival. "Everything is in place, and now all we can do is wait in suspense," the mayor said.
#FlandersNewsService | © PHOTO BELGIAN ROYAL PALACE ON X
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