Belgium prepares high-level trade mission to Turkey

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot announced a major economic mission to Turkey, scheduled for May 10-14, led by Queen Mathilde. The delegation will visit Istanbul and Ankara, involving approximately 400 to 450 representatives from around 200 companies. The mission aims to bolster cooperation in logistics, aerospace, defense, and social security, with roughly 40 agreements expected to be signed. Minister Prevot identified Turkey as an indispensable partner for European security architecture and NATO, rejecting comparisons to Russia or China. Sources differ slightly on the exact number of participants, reporting figures between 400 and 450. Additionally, Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken praised Turkey's defense industry as a model of innovation, noting its growth by 300% over the last decade. Turkey currently stands as Belgium's fifth-largest export market outside the European Union. Minister Prevot also remarked on improvements in living standards within Turkey over recent years.