Evo Morales to visit to Belgian King Albert

Bolivian President Evo Morales held talks with top Belgian government officials Tuesday on his energy nationalization plans, and met with King Albert II at the end of his European tour. He planned also to meet Belgian Foreign Minister Karel De Gucht later Tuesday, officials said.

Photo: Evo Morales to visit to Belgian King Albert

Morales on Monday had addressed lawmakers at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, telling them he would not prevent European energy companies from investing in Bolivia. Earlier this month, he had announced plans to nationalize his South American country's natural gas and oil sector, causing widespread concern that was voiced during last week's EU-Latin America summit.

EU leaders urged him not to adopt protectionist economic policies, which they said could be detrimental in fighting poverty and act as a deterrent to foreign investors. Bolivia has the second-largest natural gas reserves in South America, after Venezuela, reports the AP.

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