with the Order of the Sun of Peru in the Rank of Grand Cross.
The award was given in recognition of his commitment and efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
The decoration of Van de Vreken comes at the end of his mission in Peru.
The ceremony was held in the Ambassadors' Hall of Torre Tagle Palace in the Peruvian capital, Lima, on Thursday.
During his speech, the minister noted that over the four years Van de Vreken led the Belgian Embassy in Peru, the diplomat played a key role in strengthening bilateral ties —to the point that Belgium is now Peru’s fifth-largest trading partner within the European Union.
In that regard, the Peruvian government official highlighted that the Port of Antwerp is currently one of the main entry points for Peruvian products into the European continent.
Minister Schialer added that Peru's relationship with Belgium is currently marked by a fluid political dialogue, grounded in broad agreement on the importance of democracy and the rule of law as pillars of governance and the well-being of both nations.
He also emphasized that both countries prioritize the fight against crime and the scourge of illicit drug trafficking, noting that ties have been strengthened between their customs authorities and in matters of port security.