Belgian FM says 'no European security architecture without Türkiye'

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot stressed Türkiye's role in Europe's security architecture and expressed willingness to deepen economic and strategic cooperation between the two countries. "There is no possibility to discuss any European security architecture without Türkiye in it," Prévot told Anadolu. Over the years, he said Türkiye has reduced poverty and improved living standards, and it is now "more than ever" a strategic geopolitical actor.

Economic Mission

Prévot highlighted the Economic Mission to Türkiye, presided over by Belgian Queen Mathilde, set to take place May 10-14, with an estimated 400 participants. He said around 40 agreements will be signed on social security, transport, port management, logistics, and aerospace and defense. "Türkiye is the fifth largest export market for Belgium outside the European Union. So it means a lot," he said.

Defense and investment

Prévot noted that Türkiye's defense sector has grown by 300% in the last decade. He stressed the need for more investments from Turkish companies in Belgium, particularly in biopharmaceuticals, and emphasized creating opportunities in dredging, energy transition, offshore industry, and digital assets.

'Türkiye not to be contained'

When asked whether Europe should contain Türkiye alongside Russia and China, Prévot called it "weird" to use Ankara in the same sentence. "Türkiye is a NATO ally. It's also a European candidate for accession to the EU. So of course, Türkiye has not to be contained or constrained." He underlined the need to modernize the EU-Türkiye Customs Union.

Rules-based order

Prévot stressed Türkiye's role as a strategic partner in security, pointing to its mediation efforts for Ukraine and its stance on Middle East tensions. He described Türkiye as a "like-minded country" in defending multilateralism and territorial integrity, and as "the guardian of the southeastern flank of the alliance."