Before arriving in Canberra, Karl Stouthuysen had served Belgium across three continents. As the country’s new Ambassador to Australia, New Zealand and several Pacific Island Nations, he brings a diplomat’s eye to a bilateral relationship with deeper roots than many realise. We sat down with him to talk about WWI commemoration, the EU-Australia trade deal, and why Belgian talent in Australia deserves a bigger stage.
Before landing in Canberra, you had a long career in diplomacy. Can you walk us through your journey — where you grew up, how you came to join the foreign service, and the postings that shaped you most?
As a child, growing up on the countryside of Limburg province, I was already fascinated by the globe I had on my desk in my bedroom. At night, I often switched on the little light inside and looked at the countries suddenly appearing in different colours, reading their names and looking for their capitals. At school, geography was amongst my favourite subjects. When I got older, backpack travelling brought me in many countries, made me discover a lot of different cultures, engaging with the local population and learning about historical facts. It doesn’t come as a surprise that at university I went for Eastern Studies – I graduated as Master in Sinology at the KU Leuven, followed by a degree in International Politics at the University of Antwerp.
After having taken up various positions in the private sector, I participated in the official selection procedure for diplomatic staff – a series of different tests. Amongst the lucky ones, and having completed the required training I started off in Luxembourg followed by positions at the Belgian Embassy in Helsinki, Kigali, being Head of Mission at the Consulates in Johannesburg and Cape Town and returning to Brussels HQ here I became Head of the real estate department, and assistant to the Director General for Personnel and Organization. Sustainability, security, and looking for long term solutions in budget constraint times were the boxes that had to be ticked. After a challenging period of 4 years, I was nominated as Ambassador of Belgium to Australia, New Zealand and several South Pacific Island Nations.
This is your first posting as ambassador. How does it feel to carry that title — is the reality of the role what you imagined, or has it surprised you in ways you didn’t expect?
What people see on television (or even in movies) is only a fraction of what the jobs includes: yes, we have to participate in diners, receptions and a number of events. Bear in mind though that this is networking: this way we meet other diplomats, politicians, business mean and a range of others who can help us in getting the right information needed for the job. Mostly, these events are organized after office hours, or even on public holidays. It means that your work day isn’t over when all other staff leave for home or having a day off.
At the office, during the day, decisions have to be taken that require negotiation, and are carefully thought over with. Team work is a key word, certainly if events are being prepared. A first posting as ambassador requires extra effort, which is obvious. The job comes with responsibility and availability. You get to meet interesting people, and visit unexpected places. One day you can have a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the next day there is a factory visit and the day after you deal with Belgians who have lost their passport, or are in need of assistance. In short, never a dull day!
After almost six months here, what has struck you most about Australia? Is there something about this country — its people, its politics, its relationship with the world — that you simply didn’t see coming?
Australia and the Pacific region are completely new to me. Even after the briefing every ambassador gets before departing and after several meetings with experts, you only get to know the country and its people by really engaging in society. Australia, New Zealand and Cook Islands have already welcomed me warmly, with open arms. I’m looking forward to discover the other Island nations. Every country has it’s own habits and customs, you simply have to respect this and adapt. As the saying goes: “When in Rome, do as the Romans do!”.
Belgium and Australia may be on opposite sides of the world, yet the two countries share a great deal — democratic values, a commitment to multilateralism, strong trade links. How would you describe the state of the relationship today, and where do you see the most room to deepen it?
First of all I have to stress the link between the two countries that exists already for more than a century: we simply cannot forget the sacrifice made in WWI – Flanders Fields, the Battle of Ypres, Passchendaele: Australian young men, leaving their home and loved ones, travel to unknown shores, just to fight for our freedom – this is something we have to remain grateful for, and to commemorate where and when possible.
We have taken peace for granted, yet it is clear that this isn’t the case. Belgium and Australia are likeminded countries, we share the same values, we go for the same goals. Both countries are committed to and advocate for a rules based international order, democracy, multilateralism, human rights and the rule of law. Australia also provides financial and military assistance to Ukraine and is one of NATO’s four so-called “Asia-Pacific partners”. This all creates a bond that can only grow stronger.
The long-awaited free trade agreement between the EU and Australia is finally within reach. Beyond the headline figures, what does this deal concretely mean for Belgian and Australian businesses? Who stands to gain the most, and how quickly could we see real impact on the ground?
This long awaited free trade agreement between the EU and Australia is finally a fact. It means that it opens up one of the world’s fastest-growing developed economies, with a growing market-in-waiting for EU goods and services. Products of both countries get easier and cheaper access to each other markets. It help to deliver jobs, growth and investment, benefitting EU and Australian businesses and citizens alike – a trade agreement is beneficial for the participants. For Belgium and for Australia, such an agreement is a win- win situation. We see clear examples of this positive situation with countries who already concluded a free trade agreement in the past.
One of your priorities since arriving has been to shine a light on Belgian talent here in Australia — and that’s very much the spirit behind the Awards we are launching. In your view, what makes the Belgian community here distinctive? And why does it matter to you personally to give these talents a stage?
Belgians tend to be highly educated and are often experts in their domain, whether it be in the economic, social, academic, culinary, or entrepreneurial spheres. They keep the head cool, are solution driven, looking for alternatives. Even more, they are keen in sharing their expertise with others too.
However, Belgians are often too modest in showing the world their talents. Modesty is a virtue, but showing the world that you want to share your knowledge is even better. Belgian companies go for quality, invest a lot in research and development and create a reliable bond. That’s why we put them, Belgian companies and citizens in Australia, in the spotlight. Because of their contribution and added value to the local society, they promote Belgium in the best possible way.
Submit a nomination here: https://lcanews.naphix.com/en/welcome-to-the-inaugural-belgian-australian-excellence-awards/
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