Belgium and Turkey Deepen Defence Ties With New Agreements

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Ankara: During a high-level economic mission to Ankara, Belgium and Turkey signed nine defence cooperation agreements, which Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken called a ‘big step forward’ in bilateral strategic ties.

Following discussions between Francken and Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler, the agreements were signed as European countries look strengthen their defence capacities in the face of mounting security concerns related to Russia and uncertainty about the US's long-term commitment to NATO.

Belgian officials reported that three agreements had already been reached in Istanbul, while six agreements were inked in Ankara on Wednesday. The agreements concentrate on military technology alliances, investments, and industry cooperation.

Belgium additionally commented support for Turkey's role in the €150 billion SAFE defence scheme, which aims to strengthen Europe's defence manufacturing and military readiness.

Francken applauded Turkey's rapid developments in defence technology, especially unmanned systems and artificial intelligence, and stated that Belgium was interested in investigating the purchase of Turkish-made drones. He said that NATO's perception of contemporary warfare and defence tactics was changing as a result of recent events in Turkey and Ukraine.