Europe Asia News

Belgium is sending a large economic delegation to Türkiye starting from May 10.

The visit, which will be led by the Queen, will also include Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot, as well as Minister of Defense and Foreign Trade Theo Francken. The delegation will hold meetings in Istanbul and Ankara with the aim of advancing economic relations between the two countries to a new stage.

The mission consists of a total of 428 participants, including 194 companies, 17 business federations and chambers of commerce, 8 universities, and various public institutions.

Belgian officials emphasized that Türkiye is a strategic partner due to its market of 85 million people, NATO membership, customs union with the European Union, and regional geopolitical position.

Within the scope of the mission, cooperation opportunities will be evaluated in five main sectors, including green transformation, defense industry, ports and logistics, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, and digital technologies.

As part of the program, port security and sustainable innovation will come to the forefront in Istanbul, while defense industry and inter-company cooperation will be highlighted in Ankara.

Meetings are also planned with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Bolat, and Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler during the visit. It was also reported that new agreements in the fields of defense and social security will be signed.