奥巴马祝贺新比利时国王

 　　WASHINGTON, July 21 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Barack Obama extended his congratulations Sunday to the new king of Belgium, saying he for deeper ties between their countries.

　　Philippe, 53, ascended¹ the throne earlier in the day following the abdication² of his father, Albert II, who reigned³ for the past 20 years. The White House said Obama wished the new king the very best.

　　"The United States and Belgium share a rich history and strong ties, including as NATO allies," Caitlin Hayden, a spokeswoman of the National Security Council, said in a statement.

　　"Belgium is a valued friend of the United States, and the president looks forward to continuing to deepen this bond in the years to come," she said.

1 ascended   

v.上升，攀登( ascend的过去式和过去分词 )

参考例句：

• He has ascended into heaven. 他已经升入了天堂。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• The climbers slowly ascended the mountain. 爬山运动员慢慢地登上了这座山。 来自《简明英汉词典》

2 abdication   

n.辞职；退位

参考例句：

• The officers took over and forced his abdication in 1947.1947年军官们接管了政权并迫使他退了位。
• Abdication is precluded by the lack of a possible successor.因为没有可能的继承人，让位无法实现。

3 reigned   

vi.当政，统治（reign的过去式形式）

参考例句：

• Silence reigned in the hall. 全场肃静。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
• Night was deep and dead silence reigned everywhere. 夜深人静，一片死寂。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》