15.07.2026 01:20
The long-awaited meeting in Ankara took place. Following a humorous challenge on social media, France's Ambassador to Ankara Isabelle Dumont and Belgium's Ambassador Hendrik Van de Velde came together at the July 14 reception. Taking the stage after artist Ömer Faruk Bostan's performance, the two ambassadors faced off by dancing the "Erik Dalı" to settle their scores. Those entertaining moments, where diplomatic protocol gave way to colorful Ankara folk dance figures, drew loud applause from the guests.
The long-awaited meeting, which began weeks ago with a playful challenge on social media, finally took place. France's Ambassador to Ankara Isabelle Dumont and Belgium's Ambassador to Ankara Hendrik Van de Velde took the stage at the July 14 reception to perform the traditional "Erik Dalı" dance together.
SOCIAL MEDIA CHALLENGE TAKES THE STAGE
Belgium's Ambassador to Ankara Hendrik Van de Velde's performance of an Ankara-style dance to "Erik Dalı" at a reception last May caused a stir on social media.
In response, the French Embassy in Ankara playfully invited Van de Velde via its official social media account to perform the dance with France's Ambassador Isabelle Dumont at the July 14 reception.
With Ambassador Dumont's reply, "Dear friend, I am ready," the friendly competition grew, and the anticipated meeting finally took place.
OMER FARUK BOSTAN PLAYED, AMBASSADORS SHINED
At the July 14 National Day reception held at the French Embassy in Ankara, diplomatic protocol gave way to Ankara-style dance moves. Later in the evening, Omer Faruk Bostan, the popular performer of the song "Erik Dalı," took the stage.
Following the rhythm of the music, Ambassador Isabelle Dumont and Ambassador Hendrik Van de Velde took the stage and began dancing together, to the surprise and delight of the guests.
GUESTS GAVE FULL MARKS: APPLAUSE NEVER STOPPED
In those colorful moments, which lasted about a few minutes and turned into an "Erik Dalı duel," the two ambassadors skillfully responded to each other's moves.
Many local and foreign guests attending the reception recorded the moments with their mobile phones, while applause echoed through the hall.
The playful challenge that started on social media ended happily and colorfully with these images of friendship on stage.