Belgian king reiterates regrets for colonial past in Congo but no apology

Belgium's King Philippe and Queen Mathilde arrive at the international airport in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, June 7, 2022. REUTERS/ Justin Makangara

KINSHASA (Reuters) -Belgium's King Philippe reaffirmed his deepest regrets on Wednesday for the exploitation, racism and acts of violence during his country's colonisation of the Democratic Republic of Congo, but again stopped short of formally apologising.

Philippe became the first Belgian official two years ago to express regret for colonisation, and some Congolese hoped he would issue a formal apology during his first visit to Congo since taking the throne in 2013.