Image Credentials: Image Title: Türkiye Praised as “Wise and Strong NATO Ally” by Belgian Defense Minister at IDEF 2025 Source: (sora.chatgpt) Date: July 2025 Attribution: Created by AI-generated imagery (sora.chatgpt), it does not depict a real-world scene.
By Open Chronicle with Agencies
ISTANBUL — Belgian Defense and Foreign Trade Minister Theo Francken lauded Türkiye’s role in NATO and its expanding defense capabilities during a high-level appearance at the 2025 International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF) in Istanbul, calling the country a “wise and strong ally” with growing geopolitical and industrial influence.
“Türkiye is an old and wise partner, a friend and an ally of NATO,” Francken said in an exclusive interview with Anadolu Agency. “The geopolitical situation in Türkiye is very complex, and that’s why they invest in defense. For me, Türkiye is a role model.”
Türkiye as a Defense Innovator
Francken hailed Türkiye’s technological advancements, including drone systems, counter-drone capabilities, and laser-based defense technologies. He said his presence at IDEF 2025 signified Belgium’s interest in deepening bilateral cooperation.
“They are doing a lot of innovation, drones, counter-drones, laser technology. It’s incredible,” he remarked.
Although NATO exercises between Belgium and Türkiye have taken place, Francken acknowledged that more industrial collaboration is needed. “It’s not because we don’t want, or Türkiye doesn’t want. It’s because we didn’t have this in history. So, we need a new memorandum of understanding,” he said, revealing plans to sign such an agreement with Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler in the coming year.
Diplomatic Influence and Regional Stability
Francken also emphasized Türkiye’s critical diplomatic role, especially in mediating global conflicts. “Türkiye is the perfect place to have peace talks. Everybody listens to Türkiye on an international level,” he said, pointing to Ankara’s active involvement in the search for peace in Ukraine and beyond.
He expressed support for Türkiye’s deeper involvement in European defense projects, even as a non-EU member. “Türkiye needs to get into the safe program. That’s the Belgian position,” he said, highlighting its importance to European security.
Belgium is set to strengthen ties further with the presence of a Turkish defense industry attaché in Brussels, a move Francken said would bolster cooperation. “From this year on, there will be a Turkish representative for Turkish armaments and weapons systems in Brussels. I warmly welcome him,” he noted.
Gaza and Humanitarian Efforts
Turning to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Francken affirmed Belgium’s commitment to assisting civilians caught in the conflict. “Civilians cannot starve because of the war,” he stated. “The Belgian Air Force is ready to restart humanitarian air drops from Jordan.”
He emphasized that essential needs must be met: “We need to help the people of Gaza. They need food, water, and education. And Belgium is ready to help on the humanitarian side.”
Economic Mission and NATO Summit
Looking ahead, Francken announced a major economic delegation to Türkiye. “Next year in June, we will come with Princess Astrid and a group of 500 to 600 Belgian entrepreneurs for the largest economic mission Belgium has ever sent to Türkiye,” he said. “It’s just before the NATO summit, perfect timing.”
The visit underscores Belgium’s intent to deepen not just military and political ties, but also economic and industrial partnerships with Türkiye — a country Francken described as indispensable to the future of NATO and European defense architecture.