Full Breakdown
Belgium’s Economic Mission to Turkey Focuses on Defense, Trade and Green Energy
5/13/2026, 5:26:55 AM
Core Event: High-Level Delegation Arrives in Istanbul
On 10 May 2026, Belgium’s Queen Mathilde led a delegation of 428 private-sector representatives and senior officials to Istanbul. The group, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot and Defense Minister Theo Francken, met Turkish officials and attended a business forum aimed at expanding bilateral cooperation.
Background & Context: Largest Belgian Visit Since 2012
The visit is the largest Belgian economic mission to Turkey since a 2012 trip led by then-Crown Prince Philippe. It coincides with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s call for a swift update of the EU-Turkey Customs Union, which he says is vital for Turkey’s EU accession.
Key Figures & Groups
Participants included Queen Mathilde; President Erdogan; Trade Minister Ömer Bolat; Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot; Defense Minister Theo Francken; DEIK President Nail Olpak; and Investment Office head Ahmet Burak Daglioglu.
Data & Statistics
Bilateral trade reached $9.2 billion in 2025 ($5 billion Turkish exports, $4.2 billion imports) and aims for $15 billion. Belgian investment in Turkey totals $9.3 billion (2002-Jan 2026); Turkish investment in Belgium is $490 million. Defense exports grew from $248 million in 2002 to over $10 billion in 2025, ranking Turkey 11th globally. The logistics market is valued at $150 billion, with $50 billion in service exports, and weekly links include 80 passenger and 14 cargo flights.
Official Statements & Responses
Erdogan stressed Turkey’s geopolitical importance for Europe and urged rapid customs-union reforms. Bolat described a “significant” chance to boost cooperation in defense, technology, green transition and logistics, and announced a joint declaration to deepen trade. Prevot highlighted the customs union’s role in linking Turkish industry to European value chains and noted complementary strengths in energy, aerospace and life sciences. Francken called Baykar’s AI-driven drones “unique” within NATO. Daglioglu linked Turkey’s reform agenda to its 5.3 % annual growth since 2003. Olpak pointed to Belgium’s expertise in pharmaceuticals and high-tech manufacturing as a complement to Turkey’s production capacity.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Türkiye has become a global production, technology and logistics center,” — Ömer Bolat, Turkish Trade Minister
- “This company pioneered AI-integrated armed drones. They are getting higher and flying higher and further,” — Theo Francken, Belgian Defense Minister
- “We are working very closely on updating the customs union in line with today's economic realities,” — Ömer Bolat, Turkish Trade Minister
- “Belgium is home to world-class companies in pharmaceuticals, chemicals, logistics, high-tech manufacturing and defense,” — Nail Olpak, DEIK President
Why It Matters
The mission aims to expand defense cooperation—a fast-growing sector—while linking Turkey’s logistics and renewable-energy capabilities with Belgian expertise. Updating the customs union could deepen Turkey’s integration into European supply chains, affecting EU-Turkey relations and regional security.
What’s Next
Delegates will sign intergovernmental agreements in defense, aviation and social security and aim to raise bilateral trade to $15 billion. Talks will also pursue customs-union reforms and joint projects in offshore wind, hydrogen and advanced manufacturing during 2026.
