15.05.2026 23:00
Footage of Belgium's Ambassador to Ankara, Hendrik Van de Velde, dancing to "Ankara havası" created amusing moments in the diplomatic world. After the videos spread on social media, the French Embassy in Ankara also stepped in, inviting the Belgian ambassador to dance "Erik Dalı" alongside French Ambassador Isabelle Dumont.
The French Embassy in Ankara responded with a humorous post to footage of the Belgian Ambassador to Ankara, Hendrik Van de Velde, dancing the "Ankara Havası." In the social media post, the Belgian ambassador was this time invited to play "Erik Dalı" alongside the French Ambassador to Ankara, Isabelle Dumont.
NOTICEABLE SOCIAL MEDIA POST
The French Embassy in Ankara, on the US-based social media platform X, quoted the footage of Belgian Ambassador Hendrik Van de Velde dancing the "Ankara Havası" and published a playful message.
The post stated, "The news suggests that Belgium has emerged as a rival to France. So, we invite Ambassador Hendrik Van de Velde to play a duet of 'Erik Dalı' with our Ambassador Isabelle Dumont on our upcoming National Day on July 14."
Ambassador Dumont also addressed her counterpart with a post saying, "My dear friend hendrik_velde, I am ready!"
"ANKARA HAVASI" MADE HEADLINES
The "Ankara Havası" dance performed by Ambassador Hendrik Van de Velde at the "Defense, Aviation, and Space Industry High-Level Interaction Event" organized by the Belgian Embassy in Ankara on May 13 had sparked widespread reactions on social media.
MESSAGE OF "ERIK DALI" FROM THE FRENCH EMBASSY
Meanwhile, the French Embassy in Ankara had also featured the song "Erik Dalı" at the National Day reception held in July 2025. The playful exchange between the two embassies attracted attention from users on social media.