Brussels: The US ambassador to Belgium avoided reporters' questions on Tuesday following a meeting with Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot, as a diplomatic dispute between Washington and senior Belgian politicians deepened, according to local media.

According to Anadolu Agency, Ambassador Bill White highlighted the strong friendship between Belgium and the US, economic cooperation, and shared culture after his talks with Prevot. He expressed appreciation for Prevot's commitment to tackling antisemitism. However, White declined to comment on whether Flemish socialist party Vooruit's chairman, Conner Rousseau, remains welcome in the US, following White's previous social media statement banning Rousseau from entry due to his remarks comparing US President Donald Trump to Adolf Hitler.

On Saturday, Prevot condemned the travel ban, calling it unacceptable for a member of parliament and party leader to be denied entry for exercising freedom of speech. He confirmed that Belgium's Foreign Ministry would seek clarification from US authorities and called for de-escalation.

White confirmed Rousseau's remarks were discussed during the meeting, emphasizing the inappropriateness of comparing the US president to someone responsible for the deaths of 8 million Jews.

The diplomatic tension began when White described a Belgian judicial investigation into religious circumcisions as "antisemitic" and criticized Belgian Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke and Rousseau on social media. White later deleted the post, which referenced the 1990s Agusta corruption scandal involving Vandenbroucke, who has denied any wrongdoing.

After the meeting, Prevot reiterated Belgium's judiciary's independence and called for non-interference, as reported by broadcaster VRT. Prevot also expressed disapproval of White's comments on Belgian politicians and emphasized moving beyond personal attacks to strengthen partnerships. White indicated plans to drop travel restrictions against Rousseau, according to the report.