Istanbul: Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken has praised Trkiye’s growing status as a maritime power amidst the global focus on the naval arms race between China and the United States. During his visit to Sedef Shipyard in Istanbul, Francken shared his insights on US social media platform X, highlighting Trkiye’s significant strides in the maritime sector.

According to Anadolu Agency, Francken emphasized that Trkiye is not only placing orders but also actively engaging in the domestic construction of submarines, corvettes, frigates, destroyers, and aircraft carriers. He noted the swift production pace, high quality, and competitive pricing of Turkish naval vessels, which are increasingly making their mark on the global market.

Francken also reflected on Trkiye’s economic trajectory, noting its rapid growth over the past two decades and its recovery from recent inflation challenges. He remarked on the resilience displayed by the Turkish economy, suggesting that challenging times necessitate tough measures.

Additionally, Francken commented on Istanbul’s strategic position, not only as a gateway to Central Asia but also to the Arab world, particularly in the media landscape, with all major Arab media outlets having a presence in the city.

The Belgian defense minister is part of a delegation accompanying Queen Mathilde of Belgium, who arrived in Istanbul on Sunday. The visit is part of a high-level economic mission intending to bolster trade and investment connections between Brussels and Ankara.