Politics
Belgium hails Turkish defense industry as ‘role model’ for Europe
Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken praised Türkiye’s defense industry as a “role model” ahead of a high-level economic mission to Ankara and Istanbul, highlighting growing cooperation between the NATO allies in defense, trade and technology.
Speaking before the May 10-14 visit, Francken said Türkiye had become a leading example in innovation, production capacity and defense research and development, particularly as European countries seek to strengthen their own military industries amid rising global tensions.
“The Turkish defense industry is truly at a very advanced level in terms of innovation and building a strong defense capacity,” Francken told Anadolu Agency (AA). “Therefore, they are a role model for me.”
The Belgian delegation, led by Queen Mathilde and regional government representatives, is expected to include more than 450 participants, among them dozens of defense companies, research institutions and universities seeking partnerships with Turkish counterparts.
Francken said around 40 agreements were already prepared for signing, with additional deals still under negotiation. He described the growing number of commercial and institutional partnerships as “a very positive and encouraging development.”
“A significant part of our defense sector is very interested in learning from the Turkish defense industry,” he said.
The remarks reflect increasing European interest in Türkiye’s rapidly expanding defense sector, which has gained international attention in recent years through advances in drone technology, naval systems, armored vehicles and domestic weapons production.
Francken said Belgium viewed Türkiye not only as an important NATO ally but also as a strategic economic partner positioned at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
“Türkiye is a very great economic and geopolitical power,” he said. “We need to work together. This is in both our interest and Türkiye’s interest.”
Trade volume between the two countries has reached roughly $8 billion annually, according to Francken, who also oversees foreign trade. He emphasized the importance of expanding economic cooperation across multiple sectors, including defense, biotechnology, health sciences, agriculture and food processing.
He also praised Türkiye’s workforce and education system, describing the country as home to “hardworking people” and a large pool of highly qualified young graduates.
“This means there are many opportunities we can do together,” he said.
On security matters, Francken stressed the importance of preserving NATO unity at a time of strains within the alliance, warning against divisions between Europe and the United States.
“We are an alliance, and NATO is the strongest alliance in the last 80 years of human history,” he said. “If we divide, we lose; if we unite, we survive.”
Francken said he hoped tensions inside NATO would ease and voiced support for closer trans-Atlantic cooperation on defense production and industrial capacity.
“The summit is extremely important,” he said, referring to upcoming NATO discussions expected to focus heavily on defense manufacturing, joint production and burden-sharing among allies.
The Belgian minister also rejected calls in parts of Europe for developing an independent nuclear deterrent, cautioning against what he described as irresponsible rhetoric.
“Sometimes people and world leaders talk about acquiring nuclear capacity as if it were buying a sandwich,” he said. “I don’t think that’s a good approach.”
Instead, he argued that Europe should focus on strengthening conventional defense capabilities while maintaining close cooperation with Washington within NATO’s existing deterrence framework.
Francken also pushed back against the use of trade tariffs in relations with Türkiye, saying he favored deeper economic integration over protectionist policies.
“I don’t want customs tariffs with Türkiye,” he said. “I think we have a good partnership, a good agreement.”
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Friday said there would be “no turning back” from the terror-free Türkiye initiative, describing the process as the country’s most strategic effort to strengthen national unity and eliminate terrorism permanently.
Speaking at the SAHA 2026 International Defense, Aviation and Space Industry Fair in Istanbul, Erdoğan linked Türkiye’s expanding defense capabilities with its broader security goals, including the ongoing initiative aimed at dismantling the PKK terrorist group’s armed structure.
“Today, the most strategic step we are taking to fortify our internal stronghold is the ‘terror-free Türkiye’ process and the goal of a terror-free region,” Erdoğan said.
“The terror-free Türkiye process is the name of a grand vision that aims to build a peaceful, secure, prosperous future where peace prevails,” he added.
The initiative has entered a critical phase in recent months, with Turkish authorities focusing on the practical implementation of disarmament mechanisms following the PKK’s announcement in 2025 that it would dissolve its organizational structure.
Ankara insists that the process must begin with the unconditional surrender of weapons before any broader legal or political discussions can proceed. Turkish officials say the National Intelligence Organization (MIT) will oversee verification and monitoring efforts to ensure militants fully disarm and withdraw from armed activity.
The process emerged after decades of PKK terrorism that claimed tens of thousands of lives in Türkiye. Officials have repeatedly emphasized that the current framework differs from the failed 2013-2015 reconciliation process by prioritizing concrete developments on the ground rather than political declarations.
Recent statements by senior PKK figures suggested internal tensions over control of the process, particularly between imprisoned PKK ringleader Abdullah Öcalan and commanders based in northern Iraq’s Mount Qandil region. Turkish officials view control over the group’s weapons and disarmament timeline as the key unresolved issue.
Erdoğan framed the initiative as part of a broader national struggle rooted in Türkiye’s history of resistance and unity.
“We went hungry, we went thirsty, we were left without weapons, without ammunition, but we never lost our faith, we never succumbed to despair,” he said.
“At the heart of this will lies the sacred memory and blessed legacy of the heroes who sacrificed their lives for their homeland and nation,” Erdoğan added, referring to security forces and civilians killed in terrorist attacks.
The president also stressed that Türkiye now possesses the military and technological strength to defend itself independently, highlighting advances in domestically produced fighter aircraft, drones, missiles, naval systems and electronic warfare technologies.
“Türkiye is a state that possesses more than enough power and strength to break the will of any hostile element that dares to threaten its independence and future,” he said.
The initiative has also exposed growing divergence between the PKK’s armed leadership and the pro-PKK Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), whose officials have publicly supported disarmament and warned the organization against delaying the process.
Turkish officials say the next stage will center on verification mechanisms, legal arrangements concerning militants not involved in crimes and ensuring the complete dismantling of the PKK’s armed infrastructure.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune oversaw the signing of a series of agreements in Ankara on Thursday, following bilateral talks and the first meeting of the Türkiye-Algeria High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council.
The two leaders signed a joint declaration marking the council’s first meeting, a step Ankara and Algiers described as part of efforts to deepen political, economic and institutional cooperation between the two countries.
The agreements covered a wide range of areas, including transportation, telecommunications, industry, agriculture, disaster management, media cooperation, investment promotion and broadcasting.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in postal services and telecommunications. Fidan also signed an agreement with Algerian Interior, Local Authorities and Transport Minister Said Sayoud on international passenger and freight transport.
Another memorandum, signed by Family and Social Services Minister Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş and Attaf, focused on the welfare of independence veterans and the relatives of martyrs.
Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi and Sayoud signed an agreement on the mutual recognition and exchange of driver’s licenses. The two ministers also signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in disaster and emergency management.
Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır and Algerian Industry Minister Yahia Bachır signed a memorandum between the two countries’ industry ministries. They also signed a separate agreement on cooperation in standardization, conformity assessment and training.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumaklı and Algerian Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries Minister Yacine El Mahdi Oualid signed an agreement on cooperation in plant protection and plant quarantine.
Trade Minister Ömer Bolat and Algerian Foreign Trade and Export Promotion Minister Kamel Rezig signed a joint declaration to launch negotiations on a preferential trade agreement, signaling an effort to further expand commercial ties between the two countries.
The Turkish presidency’s communications director, Burhanettin Duran, and Attaf signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in combating media disinformation.
Ahmet Burak Dağlıoğlu, head of Türkiye’s Investment and Finance Office, and Omar Rekkache, director general of Algeria’s Investment Promotion Agency, signed a memorandum on cooperation in investment promotion.
Two separate memorandums were also signed between Algeria’s public radio institution, EPRS, and Turkish public broadcaster TRT. TRT Director General Zahid Sobacı and Algeria’s ambassador to Türkiye, Boumediene Guennad, signed agreements covering cooperation in television and radio broadcasting.
The signing ceremony came after Erdoğan and Tebboune held one-on-one talks and chaired the strategic cooperation council meeting, which was established to provide a framework for closer coordination between Ankara and Algiers.
Türkiye’s Presidency’s Disinformation Combat Center on Thursday denied claims that Syria’s monthly customs regulations were aimed specifically at Turkish exports, calling the allegations misleading, unfounded and aimed at undermining growing ties between the two neighbors.
In a statement shared on social media, the center said the Syrian government’s regulations were not directed solely at Türkiye but applied globally and were adjusted according to seasonal agricultural conditions. It stressed that reports suggesting otherwise distorted official decisions by Syria’s National Import and Export Committee.
The center noted that bilateral trade between Türkiye and Syria rose 24% year-over-year in the January-April period, surpassing $1.35 billion, despite claims of commercial restrictions.
Ankara and Damascus have rapidly expanded cooperation since the fall of Bashar Assad’s regime in late 2024. The two countries held their first Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) meeting in Istanbul last month, where officials outlined plans to boost annual bilateral trade from $3.7 billion to $10 billion.
The countries have also intensified diplomatic coordination and discussions on reconstruction, customs modernization, transportation corridors and regional security. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan recently visited Damascus for talks on rebuilding Syria and strengthening long-term cooperation.
The center urged the public not to trust what it called “black propaganda” targeting relations with neighboring countries.
The Turkish Parliament approved an in-kind grant support agreement with Somalia on Thursday, as lawmakers highlighted Ankara’s expanding economic, security and development partnership with the Horn of Africa nation.
During debates at the Turkish Parliament, lawmakers from across the political spectrum discussed Türkiye’s growing role in Somalia, where Ankara has become a major investor and strategic partner over the past decade.
Cemalettin Kani Torun, a Bursa deputy from the New Path Party, said Turkish exports to Somalia had climbed to $273 million, while direct investments by Turkish companies exceeded $100 million.
“These figures did not come about spontaneously,” Torun said. “These are the fruits of a long-term and multi-actor commitment.”
He rejected accusations that Türkiye’s involvement in Somalia amounted to “guardianship” or colonialism, saying Ankara’s engagement was based on mutual benefit and “win-win” policies.
Torun also stressed the growing geopolitical importance of the Horn of Africa, arguing that Türkiye’s activities in Somalia, from trade to energy exploration, contribute to regional stability and counter outside interference.
Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) lawmaker Kamil Aydın said instability and piracy around Somalia and the Gulf of Aden had long threatened international shipping routes and maritime trade.
He said Türkiye had taken an active role under international agreements to support peace, security and economic development in Somalia.
“With the mutual trust and cooperation gained, Türkiye has succeeded in taking very important bilateral, regional and global positive steps with Somalia,” Aydın said.
Opposition lawmakers voiced criticism over broader aspects of Ankara’s foreign policy and foreign aid spending. Good Party (IP) lawmaker Ayyüce Türkeş questioned Türkiye’s extensive aid commitments abroad amid domestic economic challenges.
Meanwhile, ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) Deputy Group Chair Leyla Şahin Usta defended Türkiye’s Africa policy, describing it as rooted in “friendship and brotherhood.”
“Türkiye is in Africa to build and repair,” Usta said, adding that cooperation with Somalia had helped strengthen local ownership and development across the continent.
The bill was approved following parliamentary discussions. Somalia’s ambassador to Ankara, Fathudin Ali Mohamed, also attended the parliamentary session.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Thursday that Türkiye is determined to expand strategic cooperation with Algeria across key sectors including regional security, energy, mining, transportation and agriculture, while warning that Israel’s attacks and regional escalation continue to disrupt global energy markets.
Speaking alongside Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune during a joint news conference in Ankara, Erdoğan said the two countries are strengthening long-term cooperation in energy supply security and advancing their strategic partnership.
Erdoğan recalled that the two leaders last met in Algeria on Nov. 21, 2023, where they elevated bilateral coordination mechanisms and officially launched the Türkiye-Algeria Strategic Cooperation Council.
“We chaired the first meeting of our Strategic Cooperation Council together and made decisions that will further advance our brotherhood,” Erdoğan said.
The Turkish president emphasized that relations between Ankara and Algiers are rooted in “mutual respect and affection stemming from a shared history,” adding that the spirit of solidarity also shapes the two countries’ positions on major international issues.
Describing Algeria as one of Türkiye’s largest trade partners in Africa, Erdoğan said cooperation is expanding in several strategic sectors, particularly energy, mining, transportation and agriculture.
He noted that Türkiye is intensifying efforts to reach the previously announced bilateral trade target of $10 billion.
More than 1,600 Turkish companies currently operate in Algeria with investments exceeding $8 billion in sectors including industry, mining, agriculture, construction, pharmaceuticals and infrastructure, Erdoğan said.
The president also highlighted an Ankara business forum held earlier Thursday, where representatives from the private sectors of both countries discussed new investment and partnership opportunities.
“We will continue working together in the coming period to expand mutual investments and private-sector cooperation,” Erdoğan said.
Addressing regional developments, Erdoğan warned that the conflict triggered by “Israel’s provocations and attacks” continues to negatively affect energy markets.
“The war in our region, which began with Israel’s provocations and schemes, continues to adversely impact energy markets in particular,” he said.
Erdoğan stressed that Türkiye had invested years ago in building “reliable, stable and sustainable partnerships” and is now reinforcing long-term cooperation in energy supply security, especially in natural gas.
He also called for stronger collaboration in renewable energy and emerging technologies, saying both countries should explore new partnership opportunities in those areas.
The head of the Higher Islamic Council and preacher of Al-Aqsa Mosque, Ikrima Sabri, on Thursday praised Türkiye’s efforts to strengthen ties among Muslim nations and commended President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for promoting greater unity across the Islamic world.
“Growing coordination and cooperation among countries in the Islamic world represented a positive development,” Sabri said in a statement.
He said he was pleased with the visits and diplomatic exchanges hosted by Türkiye within the framework of strengthening Islamic rapprochement.
Sabri expressed hope that the efforts “would eventually lead to the formation of an Islamic union similar to existing international and regional blocs.”
“The Islamic nation today is closer than ever to the option of unity and harmony,” he said.
He praised Erdoğan’s role in seeking to deepen relations among Muslim countries and helping them move toward greater independence and prosperity.
Sabri also welcomed the continued exchange of official visits among leaders of Muslim countries, stressing that the issue of Al-Aqsa Mosque should remain central to those meetings and initiatives because it represents “the compass of the Islamic nation and its central cause.”
He specifically praised the current visit of Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to Türkiye, saying Algeria and Türkiye are key pillars in supporting the Palestinian cause.
Sabri also welcomed Türkiye’s growing ties with several Muslim countries, including Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, expressing hope that the efforts would contribute to stability and prosperity across the Islamic world.
Earlier Thursday, Erdoğan welcomed Tebboune with a ceremony at the presidential complex in Ankara.
The two leaders held talks and co-chaired a meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council between the two countries, followed by the signing of agreements and a news conference.
Relations between Türkiye and Algeria have expanded rapidly in recent years across multiple sectors, driven by a friendship and cooperation agreement signed in 2006 and reinforced since Tebboune took office in December 2019.
‘Hantavirus’ statement from Spain: Evacuations from the ship have started!
Belgium hails Turkish defense industry as ‘role model’ for Europe
Special video sharing from AK Party for Mother’s Day: There is a mother behind every story
‘Hantavirus’ statement from Spain: Evacuations from the ship have started!
Belgium hails Turkish defense industry as ‘role model’ for Europe
Special video sharing from AK Party for Mother’s Day: There is a mother behind every story
-
Daily Agenda3 days agoMinister Uraloğlu met with his German counterpart Schnieder
-
Daily Agenda3 days agoZero Waste Forum will present a concrete road map to the COP31 process: Ministers, Mayors and academics will participate!
-
Politics3 days agoArmenia’s youth have high hopes for thaw with Türkiye
-
Economy3 days agoNo change in Türkiye’s priorities despite global shock: Şimşek
-
Daily Agenda2 days agoCamp work has started in AK Party
-
Politics2 days ago‘Peace Mothers’ visit MHP as terror-free Türkiye awaits momentum
-
Politics2 days agoTurkish Parliament charts road map on school shooting response
-
Sports2 days agoIOC lifts Belarus athlete bans, opens path to LA 2028 qualifiers