Before the reception, Prime Minister Di Rupo sent a message of congratulations to Ambassador Liao. In the message, he expressed "best wishes to the Chinese people and its new leadership, and hope that we will continue deepening the excellent relations between our two countries."

On February 5, Flanders China Chamber of Commerce held a Spring Festival Reception in Brussels. Minister President Peeters attended the event and expressed hope to see further progress of China-Flanders relations in the Year of Snake. He also sent out festival greetings to Chinese people.