Sergey Ivanov, CEO of ALROSA, held a working meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Kingdom of Belgium Didier Reynders and President of the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) Stephane Fischler.

The parties discussed issues related to the development of bilateral cooperation in the field of diamond trading, as well as cooperation within the framework of industry international organizations.

"Belgium has been and remains the world's largest diamond trading center and the largest trading partner of ALROSA, today it accounts for about half of the company's rough diamond sales. Belgium has any years of experience and expertise, well-developed infrastructure, favorable business conditions and measures on promotion industry development taken by the country's leaders. All of this makes Antwerp attractive not only for ALROSA, but also for many other participants in the world diamond market. We highly appreciate the existing high level of cooperation with the Belgian side and will strive for further development and strengthening of our cooperation", Sergey Ivanov said.

ALROSA has a long history of fruitful cooperation with Belgium. The trade office ALROSA BELGIUM operates in Antwerp. ALROSA signed long-term agreements for gem-quality diamonds with 22 Belgian-based companies. More than 100 companies are allowed to purchase rough diamonds on auctions and spot sales. In 2013, ALROSA and AWDC, representing the interests of the Belgian diamond business, signed a cooperation agreement. The agreement provides promotion of the diamond trade, interaction on the Kimberley process issues, implementation of educational programmes and exchange of information.