Japanese and Belgian officials met in Brussels to affirm ongoing cooperation in this 150th anniversary year of bilateral ties.

Senior vice foreign minister Yoji Muto told a ceremony on Tuesday that exchanges in 2016 will "further develop the bilateral relationship through many cultural events." He noted that the two nations already cooperate closely on matters ranging from trade to security. Bilateral ties were first established on Aug. 1, 1866.

King Philippe of Belgium will visit Japan in October, while Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and members of Japan's Imperial family are expected to make trips to Belgium this year.