“The Turkish defense industry” represents “a model” for Belgium

AA / Bruxelles / Serife Çetin

Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken emphasized that the Turkish defense industry is indeed very advanced when it comes to innovation and creating a strong defense capability, saying: “That’s why they are a role model for me. HAS”

Francken gave an interview to the AA, while a Belgian Economic Mission will visit Ankara and Istanbul from May 10 to 14.

Stressing that the most important aspects in economic missions are contacts and agreements, Francken said: “That is why I hope that many good contacts will be established during this great economic mission to Türkiye, and that new business connections, new portfolios and new ideas will emerge. HAS”

“The number of commercial contracts to be signed has reached 40”

Francken said they aimed to establish high-level collaborations between Turkish and Belgian companies, as well as between Belgian research institutes and universities and Turkish universities and research institutes, adding that contracts, agreements and business cooperation were also of great importance.

“To date, the number of commercial contracts to be signed has reached 40. This is a very positive and pleasing development. In the coming days, more will be added, that is, a large number of agreements are being finalized. “, indicated the minister.

“Türkiye is a very important economic and geopolitical power”

Explaining the importance of the mission for Belgium, Francken assured that Türkiye is a very important trading partner and that the volume of trade between the two countries amounts to 8 billion dollars.

“This makes Türkiye a very important partner. Turkiye is an extremely critical country, a center for Asia, the Middle East and Europe. It’s a gateway. You are an extremely important country. HAS”

He also recalled that Turkey and Belgium are allies within NATO and that they have many historical links, while drawing attention to the fact that a large Turkish community also lives in Belgium.

Francken therefore expressed his great satisfaction at carrying out this visit under the presidency of Queen Mathilde and with the regional governments, insisting on his conviction that the mission would take place in a very positive way: “I think that Türkiye is a great economic and geopolitical power. We must work together. This is in our interest as well as that of the Turkiye. HAS”

“The Turkish defense industry is a model for meâ€

Regarding the Turkish defense industry, Francken also expressed his opinion that Türkiye constitutes a model, especially in the areas of research and development, innovation, production and highly qualified workforce.

The Belgian official specified that, among the delegation which will include more than 450 participants, 60 to 80 companies from the defense sector will be present, and declared: “A large part of our defense sector is very interested in learning certain things with the Turkish defense industry. HAS”

He reiterated his opinion that the Turkish defense industry is indeed very advanced when it comes to innovation and creating a strong defense capability: “That’s why they are a role model for me. HAS”

“The NATO summit in Ankara is extremely important”

Theo​​​​​​​ Francken, on another subject, expressed his hope of seeing the number of tensions reduce within NATO: “It’s not easy. I always refer to this as a ‘marital crisis’. We have been together for 80 years and for the past year we have been going through a marital crisis. In such times it is very important to establish a dialogue, to listen to each other, to show mutual understanding and to continue this dialogue. HAS”

“This is why the Ankara summit is extremely important. “, he said.

Stating that the summit will highlight defense industry capacity, capacity development, production and joint production, Francken stressed that it will be an important meeting for cooperation between the United States, Europe, Canada and Turkey.

“I hope that Mr. (US President Donald) Trump will come in a good mood and that all participants will be in a positive atmosphere. “, he expressed.

“If we divide, we lose, if we unite, we stand”

Regarding the possibility of the United States withdrawing its security and nuclear umbrella from the continent after growing tensions with Europe, Francken said: “But for me, it’s a scenario that I don’t want to be talked about. We are an alliance and NATO is the most powerful alliance in the last 80 years of human history. This is why we must continue to stay united. If we divide, we lose, if we unite, we stand. We must remain united, not divided. HAS”

Francken stressed that the United States continues to play a role in the nuclear issue and constitute a central element of NATO’s defense and deterrence, noting that talk of creating Europe’s own nuclear defense is not accurate.

“Sometimes on this topic, people and world leaders, especially European leaders, talk about acquiring nuclear capabilities as if they were talking about eating a sandwich. In my opinion, this is not a good approach. It is not wise to keep the nuclear issue constantly on the agenda, because our enemies are constantly watching us. It would be quite naive to think that they don’t listen to us. It’s at the highest strategic level and it’s really monitored very carefully. That’s why my message is: Talk less, act more.”

“I don’t want customs duties with Türkiyeâ€

The Belgian minister, also responsible for foreign trade, stressed the importance of removing customs duties to increase the volume of trade between Turkey and Belgium.

He stressed that some countries use tariffs as a tool but that he does not defend this policy. “I don’t want customs duties with Türkiye. I think we have a good partnership, a good agreement. We can do more in agriculture, and we can do more in other areas as well. HAS”

“Türkiye also has an interesting job market. It consists of hardworking people and a labor-intensive structure. Labor costs are lower than those in our country. This means there are many opportunities we can realize together. In addition, a large number of highly qualified young people are coming out of universities, your educational system produces very competent people. “, he added.

“I am very happy to eat beautiful lamb meat”

Regarding the dish he most wants to eat in Türkiye, the minister said that he really likes lamb dishes. “That’s why I am very happy to go to Türkiye and eat beautiful lamb meat.”

And added: “I’m sure we’ll have great days next week in Turkiye, Ankara and Istanbul. I’m ready and looking forward to it.”

*Translated from Turkish by Tuncay Çakmak