President Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo is meeting Belgian leaders to enlist their support in his conflict with rebels trying to topple his government.
Correspondents say the Belgian government is not expected to make a clear commitment on Mr Kabila's request until after it has talks with Congolese rebels next week.
Mr Kabila has himself consistently ruled out direct talks with the rebels and accused Rwanda and Uganda of aggression.
From the newsroom of the BBC World Service