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Belgian Minister of Defense Theo Francken highlighted Türkiye as a country with "a rapidly growing defense potential and a dynamic industry renowned worldwide" as Turkish and Belgian defense companies gathered for the Türkiye-Belgium Defense Industry Day in Brussels.
The event brought together Turkish and Belgian defense sector representatives, with morning presentations on strategic visions and investment priorities followed by afternoon one-on-one business meetings, according to a statement from the Turkish Embassy in Brussels.
Francken emphasized Türkiye's defense capabilities in remarks made during the event. "Türkiye is a country with a rapidly growing defense potential and a dynamic industry that is renowned worldwide. This event offers a unique opportunity to discover these possibilities in more detail," Francken said in a social media post.
The event was organized by the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) and Belgium's private defense industry federation AGORIA BSDI, reflecting the institutional commitment of both nations to strengthening defense ties.
Türkiye's Ambassador to Belgium Gorkem Baris Tantekin noted that the cooperation contributes to the strategic goals of both countries.
"The defense industry cooperation between Türkiye and Belgium contributes to the strategic goals of both countries," Tantekin said.
Ambassador Tantekin emphasized the foundation of the partnership. "Today's meeting provides a foundation for further strengthening our constructive cooperation based on mutual trust within the framework of our historic friendship and strong alliance relations," he noted.
Ertac Koca, head of the International Cooperation Department at the SSB, presented Türkiye's defense industry supply system, the sector's current status, and international collaboration opportunities during the event.
Eight major Turkish defense companies participated in the event under the leadership of the Presidency of Defense Industries, including Aselsan, Havelsan, Roketsan, and Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI).
Over 100 Belgian participants attended, including sector representatives, research institutions, and officials from the Belgian Foreign Ministry.
The event was held ahead of the Belgian Royal Economic Mission to Türkiye, scheduled for May 2026, aimed at evaluating cooperation opportunities between the two countries.
The mission is planned to be led by Princess Astrid of Belgium.
The timing of the Brussels defense industry event allows both nations to assess and plan comprehensive bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors prior to the higher-level economic mission visit.
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