Бельгия менен Түркия коргонуу кызматташтыгында жаңы кадамдарды таштоодо

Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken evaluated the defense and economic cooperation between the two countries during his visit to Ankara within the framework of the Belgian Economic Mission. Francken stated that they met with many entrepreneurs and had important contacts during their stay in Türkiye.

Efficient Contacts in Türkiye

Francken stated that the meetings they held in Istanbul were very effective and that they had more than 100 meetings with many entrepreneurs. Drawing attention to the importance of these meetings, Francken stated that they were welcomed with warm hospitality in Türkiye and that they ate so much that they joked about starting a diet on their return.

Stating that the Belgian delegation also held meetings with leading Turkish defense companies such as Baykar during their visit to Turkey, Francken emphasized that these visits were very successful. He said that, in addition to Baykar, they also had contacts with other companies and visited shipyards.

Turkey-Belgium Defense Industry Cooperation

Stating that they met with Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler and President of the Presidency of Defense Industries Haluk Görgün during their meeting in Ankara, Francken stated that the Turkey-Belgium Defense Industry Бул күндүк иш-чара эки өлкөнүн мамилеси үчүн тарыхый учур болду. He stated that within the scope of this event, many entrepreneurs came together to work on agreements and establish connections.

Francken drew attention to Türkiye's innovative approaches in the defense industry and said that the two countries that changed NATO's war doctrine were Turkey and Ukraine. He stated that Türkiye has made significant progress in areas such as R&D, artificial intelligence and drone technologies, and underlined that Baykar is one of the leading companies in this field.

Change in War Methods and NATO Exercises

Francken stated that war methods are changing rapidly and the two countries that understand this change are Turkey and Ukraine. Ал бул эки өлкө башка өлкөлөргө үлгү болгонун билдирди. Stating that when he took office, he appointed a new general responsible for accelerating drone integration, he emphasized that drone technology was not studied on the grounds that it was unethical during the years he was in opposition, but now progress should be made in this field.

Francken emphasized that the current situation in the world is worrying and the importance of being prepared. Бул контекстте өлкөсүнүн учкучсуз учак технологиясы жаатында эки чоң долбоору бар экенин жана бул долбоорлордун чоң чыгымдарды талап кылганын билдирди. He said that one of these projects is anti-drone technology and that there are opportunities for cooperation with Turkish companies in this field.

Strategic Cooperation Opportunities with Turkey

Francken pointed out that Turkey and Belgium can work together in the field of defense industry, and reminded that Türkiye cooperates with ABC company, which produces ship engines in Belgium. Түркиянын жаңы танк проектисинин алкагында кызматташтыктын уланып жатканын да белгиледи. He stated that they signed many letters of intent and memorandums of understanding during the visit, and that these documents paved the way for concrete collaborations.

Citing the glass packaging factory investment worth approximately 750 million euros in the city of Lommel as an example, Francken said that new investments are planned in the future. He emphasized that the letter of intent signed between Turkey and Belgium covers cooperation such as future operational training and mine clearance in the Strait of Hormuz.

Customs Union and Trade Agreements with the EU

Francken also touched upon the modernization of the Customs Union between Turkey and the European Union and expressed the need for a new trade agreement. Бирок ал Кипр сыяктуу кээ бир саясий блокадалардын бул процессти кыйындатканын белгиледи. He argued that Belgium is in favor of a solution on this issue and that Türkiye should be included in the European Security Action (SAFE) credit mechanism.

Reminding that Türkiye will host the NATO Summit to be held in Ankara in 2026, Francken stated that they expect the issues of industrial production and defense cooperation to be discussed within the scope of this summit. He said that European countries have increased their defense expenditures and Belgium has also taken important steps in this context.

Diplomatic Efforts and Future Expectations

Francken emphasized the importance of NATO's message of unity and stated that he hoped that Türkiye's diplomatic efforts could reduce conflicts within the alliance. He stated that if a message of unity is given, they will be stronger, and division will lead to weakness.

Francken stated that their coastal tour in the Bosphorus was one of the most memorable moments of the visit and that they saw dolphins during this trip, and that he found the time they spent with Belgian Queen Mathilde very enjoyable. Ал ханышанын экономикалык миссиясын биринчи жолу жетектеп жатканын жана бул ал үчүн жаңы тажрыйба экенин айтты.