Maxime Prevot has emphasized that Türkiye remains essential to Europe’s future security framework, describing Ankara as a strategic partner that cannot be excluded from discussions on continental defense and stability.
In an interview with Anadolu, Prevot said there is “no possibility” of shaping Europe’s security architecture without Türkiye’s participation, highlighting the country’s growing geopolitical influence and strategic importance.
The Belgian foreign minister praised Türkiye’s economic progress over recent decades, noting improvements in living standards and poverty reduction. He described the country as a key regional power with increasing relevance in global affairs.
Prevot also underlined the deep historical relationship between Belgium and Türkiye, recalling that the first friendship treaty between Belgium and the Ottoman Empire was signed in 1838. He noted that Belgium maintained diplomatic representation in Istanbul long before many other European nations.
The minister pointed to the upcoming Belgian Economic Mission to Türkiye, led by Queen Mathilde from May 10 to 14, as a major step toward strengthening bilateral ties. Around 400 delegates are expected to join the mission, aimed at expanding cooperation across business, academia and institutions.
According to Prevot, Belgium and Türkiye are preparing to sign nearly 40 agreements covering sectors such as transport, logistics, aerospace, defense, port management and social security.
He stressed the importance of increasing trade and investment flows, noting that Türkiye is Belgium’s fifth-largest export destination outside the European Union. Prevot also encouraged greater Turkish investment in Belgium, particularly in biopharmaceuticals, energy transition projects, offshore industries and digital technologies.
Highlighting Türkiye’s rapidly growing defense sector, he said the country’s defense industry had expanded significantly over the past decade, creating new opportunities for collaboration.
Prevot rejected comparisons placing Türkiye alongside countries viewed as strategic rivals to Europe, calling such a characterization inappropriate. He reaffirmed that Türkiye is both a NATO ally and an official candidate for European Union membership.
The Belgian minister also backed modernization of the EU Türkiye Customs Union, arguing that current economic challenges require a more updated framework than the one established decades ago.
On regional security issues, Prevot recognized Türkiye’s diplomatic role in efforts related to Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East, including the ongoing conflict involving Iran. He said Ankara has consistently advocated for a rules-based international order and respect for territorial integrity.
Describing Türkiye as the guardian of NATO’s southeastern flank, Prevot said Brussels and Ankara should deepen strategic cooperation to support economic growth and regional stability for future generations.
He also highlighted Belgium’s influence within European institutions, calling the country an important gateway for Turkish access to European markets.
During the visit, Prevot received Anadolu’s publication The Evidence, which documents alleged Israeli war crimes in Gaza. He described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as “absolutely unacceptable” and reiterated Belgium’s support for South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
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