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Belgian Defense and Foreign Trade Minister Theo Francken emphasized the importance of Türkiye in European and NATO security, speaking at a reception hosted by Türkiye’s Ambassador to Brussels, Baris Tantekin.
Francken told Anadolu Agency (AA) that he “does not believe in any security scenario that excludes Türkiye.”
Highlighting the strength of Türkiye’s defense industry and its leading companies, he underlined that cooperation between the two NATO allies is essential.
“Türkiye and Belgium must work together,” Francken said. “We need the Turkish people, the Turkish industry, the Turkish politics and the Turkish diplomacy.”
The minister noted that Belgium, as a smaller country with more limited military capabilities, gains significant added value through collaboration with Türkiye.
The minister described Türkiye–Belgium relations as “very good,” noting close coordination within NATO and positive momentum following his summer visit to Türkiye.
He predicted that 2026 would be a highly productive year for bilateral ties, with intensified diplomatic and industrial cooperation.
Belgian Princess Astrid is set to lead a major economic and trade delegation to Türkiye in May 2026, and Belgium will also participate in the NATO Leaders’ Summit in Ankara in July 2026, where defense industry representatives are expected to explore new opportunities.
Answering a question on whether Europe can remain secure without Türkiye, Francken was clear:
“Anyone who understands geopolitics knows why we need Türkiye. Its position, its strength, its military capabilities, and its technological innovations… I don’t believe in a security scenario without Türkiye.”
He said Belgium is eager to intensify cooperation with Türkiye and expand joint initiatives.
Addressing rising drone threats in Belgium, Francken said cooperation with Türkiye in counter-drone and unmanned systems is not only possible but also desirable.
“Türkiye is one of the most advanced countries in drones and unmanned systems,” he said, citing its innovative capacity and experience in Ukraine.
“We can learn a lot from your country,” he added.
Francken said hybrid warfare threats caused by drones in Belgium could be mitigated through collaboration with Türkiye.
4 min read
