Ankara: The Belgian foreign minister emphasized the growing economic and technological partnership between Belgium and Trkiye, highlighting the ‘highly complementary strengths’ in several strategic sectors. The remarks were made during the opening of a Belgian Economic Mission to Trkiye led by Queen Mathilde, underscoring the importance Brussels places on its relationship with Ankara.
According to Anadolu Agency, Maxime Prevot, the Belgian foreign minister, noted the historical ties between the two nations, rooted in nearly two centuries of political, economic, and diplomatic cooperation. He also highlighted the significant role of the Turkish diaspora in Belgium in fostering these ties. Prevot identified five key sectors with robust potential for enhanced bilateral cooperation: green energy transition, aerospace and defense, ports and logistics, life sciences and biotechnology, and digital transformation. Both countries, he said, possess ‘world-class expertise and innovation’ in these areas.
Belgian exports to Trkiye reached £6.5 billion ($7.6 billion) in 2025, primarily driven by pharmaceuticals and chemicals, while Turkish exports to Belgium totaled £5.6 billion ($6.5 billion), led by vehicles and base metals. Prevot emphasized Belgium’s position as the eighth most significant investor in Trkiye and welcomed the growing Turkish investments in Belgium, which are expected to create numerous jobs.
The role of the EU-Trkiye Customs Union in connecting Turkish industry to European value chains was also underlined by Prevot, who stressed that trade was just one aspect of the broader relationship. Matthias Diependaele, Flemish Region Minister-President, described Trkiye as a ‘strategic partner for the future,’ citing increased cooperation in logistics, advanced manufacturing, energy transition, and technology.
The mission, attended by more than 500 business leaders, aimed to strengthen long-term economic partnerships between the two countries. At the Belgium-Trkiye Business Forum, a Joint Declaration on the Development of Bilateral Trade Relations was signed by Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat, Belgian Foreign Minister Prevot, and Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken.