Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken has described Türkiye as a “very important and strategic partner” for the European Union, in an interview with Turkish financial newspaper NB Ekonomi.
Francken, who is Belgium’s Minister of Defence, in charge of Foreign Trade, said he supported Ankara’s participation in the EU’s SAFE defence programme and added that Belgium would raise the issue on the European agenda. The Belgian government lists Francken as Minister of Defence, in charge of Foreign Trade.
Referring to Türkiye’s defence industry, Francken said he had been impressed by the facilities he visited and repeatedly described the sector as “amazing”. He said Europe needed greater production capacity and more ammunition, adding that Türkiye had strong production capabilities and an excellent workforce. Francken also backed the modernisation of the EU-Türkiye Customs Union, saying the current system was no longer modern and was causing frustration.
On visas for Turkish citizens, he said Belgium issues a record number of visas each year, although he acknowledged that in some cases the country applies a strict policy because of problems linked to illegal migration. The Belgian minister also said Türkiye and Belgium could cooperate on demining in the Black Sea. He added that, for the first time, Turkish officers would receive training at Belgium’s military academy.
Referring to comments by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who had placed Türkiye alongside Russia and China in the category of “threats” to the EU, Francken said he disagreed with that approach and stressed that von der Leyen “did not speak on behalf of Belgium”.
Source: CNA
