Ankara: US Ambassador to Belgium, Bill White, has committed to avoiding making "derogatory statements" about Belgian politicians after a meeting with Belgium's Foreign Minister, Maxime Prevot. The pledge comes in the wake of a controversial social media post by White targeting a Belgian official.

According to Anadolu Agency, Ambassador White and Minister Prevot held a frank discussion in which White assured that future concerns would be communicated directly to the Belgian government rather than through public statements. The ambassador emphasized the shared objective of enhancing the US-Belgium relationship to become "stronger, more secure, and more prosperous."

The meeting also covered US-backed projects aimed at bolstering Belgium's energy security, including initiatives involving US liquefied natural gas and nuclear expertise. These discussions follow White's recent Instagram post featuring an AI-generated image of Belgian Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke, accompanied by disparaging remarks related to alcohol health warning changes in Belgium.

Minister Prevot voiced his disapproval of White's public comments, stressing that such statements from an accredited ambassador are intolerable. He highlighted the importance of diplomatic rules, which include mutual respect and non-interference in domestic affairs, as essential for maintaining the strong relationship between Belgium and the US.

The ambassador acknowledged the need for discretion in public communications, especially on social media. While he expressed respect for Prevot's guidance, White indicated that he would continue to share his opinions online. He described the meeting as productive, noting a mutual understanding between both parties.

The controversy arose amid new regulations in Belgium requiring alcohol producers to use the phrase "alcohol damages your health" instead of the previous "alcohol abuse damages your health." Belgian brewers have expressed opposition to this change, launching a campaign against it.

Minister Prevot affirmed the necessity for ambassadors to refrain from public criticisms that could escalate diplomatic tensions, underscoring the importance of respecting Belgian sovereignty. The meeting concluded without an explicit apology from Ambassador White, despite Prevot's earlier decision to summon him over what was deemed as an unacceptable post.