FPS Foreign Affairs Foreign Trade and Development : The European Union will chair in 2018 the “Kimberley Process” of certification of rough diamonds

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Didier Reynders is pleased that the European Union will assume the rotating chairmanship of the Kimberley Process (KP) this year. He also thanks Australia as the outgoing chair, for its efforts in launching the reform cycle of the KP during its term.

The KP is the central platform in the fight against conflict diamonds. Since the start of the KP in 2002, the share of conflict diamonds in the global trade of rough diamonds was reduced from 15% to 0.2%. Belgium considers the EU chairing the KP as a unique opportunity to consolidate this impressive result and to continue the reform of the KP. The reform process was initiated during Australia's chairmanship and should be further developed significantly during the EU's term.

Belgium defends a sustainable and responsible approach of the management of natural resources, such as diamonds. In this endeavour, Africa deserves particular attention. Following this approach, Belgium wishes to build upon the conclusions of the African Diamond Conference which the FPS Foreign Affairs hosted together with the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) on 14 November 2017.

Our country will also provide support during the EU's chairmanship of the KP. In June 2018 Antwerp will host the intersessional meeting and in November 2018, the Egmont Palace in Brussels will welcome the KP plenary meeting.

With Antwerp as the world's most important trade centre for rough diamond, Belgium works closely with the European Union and other partners within the KP. Our country advocates for an important role for each of the three pillars of the KP: the member countries (54 participants representing 81 countries), the industry, and Civil Society Organisations which are united in the Civil Society Coalition (CSC). Belgium has always ambitioned a rigorous application of the KP rules. No less than 84% of the world trade in rough diamonds passes through our country. Oversight is done by the Diamond Office who plays a pioneering role in the strict application of the PK norms, while focusing on efficiency and transparency. Belgium is willing to share its experience and know-how with diamond producing countries.