The Turkish defense industry represents a model for Belgium.

The Belgian Minister of Defense, Theo Francken, emphasized that the Turkish defense industry is truly advanced in terms of innovation and creating a strong defense capability, stating, “That’s why they are a model for me.”

Francken granted an interview to the AA, as a Belgian Economic Mission will visit Ankara and Istanbul from May 10 to 14.

Highlighting that the most important aspects of economic missions are contacts and agreements, Francken stated, “That’s why I hope that many good contacts will be established during this beautiful economic mission in Turkey, and that new commercial connections, new portfolios, and new ideas will emerge.”

Francken indicated that they aim to establish high-level collaborations between Turkish and Belgian companies, as well as between Belgian research institutes and universities and Turkish universities and research institutes, emphasizing the importance of contracts, agreements, and commercial collaborations.

“To date, the number of commercial contracts to be signed has reached 40,” the minister said. “This is a very positive and enjoyable development.”

Explaining the mission’s importance for Belgium, Francken assured that Turkey is a very important trading partner, with the trade volume between the two countries reaching 8 billion dollars. He also pointed out historical ties and the presence of a large Turkish community in Belgium.

Regarding the Turkish defense industry, Francken also expressed his opinion that Turkey is a model, especially in research and development, innovation, production, and highly skilled labor. He mentioned that a large part of the defense sector is interested in learning from the Turkish defense industry.

Francken addressed the importance of the NATO summit in Ankara, emphasizing the significance of the defense industry, capacity development, production, and joint production, as well as cooperation among the United States, Europe, Canada, and Turkey.

Commenting on the possibility of the US withdrawing its security and nuclear umbrella from Europe, Francken stressed the importance of unity within NATO, stating, “If we divide, we lose, if we unite, we stand. We must remain united, not divided.”

The minister highlighted the importance of removing tariffs to increase trade volume between Turkey and Belgium, stating his opposition to tariff policies and expressing optimism about the potential for collaboration.

Lastly, Francken expressed his enthusiasm for trying Turkish lamb dishes during his visit to Turkey, looking forward to spending great days in Ankara and Istanbul.

*Tuncay Şakmak, translated from Turkish.