Brussels:Trkiye plays a crucial role in aiding Europe to reduce its strategic dependencies, especially in vital industrial sectors, according to Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot. Speaking at the EU-Trkiye Business Summit in Brussels, Prevot highlighted the impact of global changes, the war in Ukraine, and supply chain disruptions on Europe's awareness of its economic vulnerabilities.

According to Anadolu Agency, Prevot emphasized Trkiye's significance not only as an industrial market but also as a gateway to broader regional markets. He noted that Trkiye's manufacturing capacity, industrial expertise, and regional connections are vital to Europe's strategic interests.

Prevot pointed out that European companies are increasingly looking for reliable partners closer to home to reconsider manufacturing and storage strategies. He advocated for utilizing Trkiye’s proximity to Europe, particularly in sectors where Europe needs to diminish strategic dependencies.

Describing Trkiye as a NATO ally, EU candidate, and a significant industrial economy, Prevot stressed its potential to strengthen European supply chains. He called for enhanced economic cooperation between Brussels and Ankara, focusing on economic security, defense, innovation, clean energy, and digital technologies.

Prevot also expressed the need for modernizing the EU-Trkiye Customs Union, which has benefited both economies for about 30 years but now requires updates to align with global economic changes.

He highlighted a successful Belgian economic mission to Istanbul and Ankara in May, where over 400 participants gathered, resulting in 33 agreements between Belgian and Turkish companies in sectors like defense, aerospace, energy, and technology.

The upcoming edition of the EU-Trkiye Business Summit aims to bring together key figures from business, government, and civil society to explore transforming the EU and Trkiye's economic interdependence into strategic resilience.