1 of 8
The Libyan leader stepped off the plane for his landmark visit accompanied by his team of crack female bodyguards.

2 of 8
Colonel Muammar Gaddafi's Brussels visit is being seen as a step towards international respectability.

3 of 8
The Libyan leader has been given a warm welcome by the EU, in what is his first official visit to Europe for 15 years.

4 of 8
He met dignitaries in a bedouin tent pitched in front of the Val Duchesse residence for visiting heads of state.

5 of 8
Noisy supporters thronged the route as he made his way to talks.

6 of 8
Police held the cheering crowds back...

7 of 8
...keeping them away from a group of Libyan exiles and opponents of Gaddafi.

8 of 8
Many of the second group held banners protesting against Libya's human rights record.