Türkiye and Belgium are set to explore new avenues of cooperation across key sectors, including defence and energy, during a high-level economic mission led by Belgium’s Queen Mathilde from May 10 to 14.
The delegation is expected to hold extensive economic and trade talks covering areas such as energy, defence industries, logistics connectivity, and transportation.
Commenting on the visit, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Brussels, Gorkem Baris Tantekin, said on Saturday that the mission marks a new phase in bilateral relations.
“It can be said that this upcoming economic visit, taking place for the first time in 14 years, represents the beginning of a new phase under different conditions and within the framework of renewed relations,” he said.
Tantekin noted that Belgium, as a founding member of the EU and a NATO ally, approaches its ties with Türkiye from a strategic perspective.
He added that the Belgian delegation will begin its visit with field visits to Turkish defence industry companies in Ankara and Istanbul, highlighting the importance of cooperation in this sector.
The mission will focus on strategic sectors, including energy, defence industries, space, aviation, as well as logistics and transportation, which Tantekin said are key to shaping future economic and geopolitical developments.
He said Türkiye’s priorities include advancing trade relations, building joint partnerships in third countries, and addressing broader issues such as updating the Customs Union with the EU and enhancing integration in value chains.
Tantekin also described the visit as a significant political opportunity to redefine relations with the EU and NATO within a broader strategic framework.
