Theo Francken

Türkiye and Belgium strengthened diplomatic and defence ties through high-level meetings in Ankara on Wednesday.

Turkish President Erdoğan told Belgium's Queen Mathilde that Turkey's defense industry participation serves European interests, as Belgium's first royal economic mission to Turkey in 14 years focuses on trade, defense and aerospace sectors.

Queen Mathilde of Belgium led 428 investors to Turkey for an economic mission from May 10-14, 2026, to explore investment opportunities in energy, defense, and technology sectors, aiming to strengthen bilateral relations amid $9.2 billion annual trade volume.

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Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken says the US and Nato face a "marriage crisis" amid frustrations on both sides.

Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken says the US and Nato face a "marriage crisis" due to frustrations and miscomprehensions on both sides.

Iran's military warned of retaliation after U.S. forces seized an Iranian merchant vessel in the Arabian Sea, jeopardizing nuclear negotiations as Tehran rejected American demands regarding its nuclear program and missile capabilities.

Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken praised Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar during a diplomatic visit, highlighting its unique NATO position through continuous innovation and describing its unmanned fighter jet development as shaping defense's future.

Türkiye, Belgium push for stronger defense, trade, investment links

Queen Mathilde of Belgium led 428 investors to Turkey from May 10-14 to explore cooperation in energy, defense, and technology sectors, marking Belgium's first major economic mission there since 2012 amid strengthening bilateral relations.

Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken told U.S. officials that Europe will deploy a joint naval force to secure the Strait of Hormuz only after achieving a stable cease-fire, while Belgium increased defense spending 59 percent in 2025, the highest European increase, addressing Trump administration demands.

Queen Mathilde leads Belgium's 500-person economic delegation to Türkiye in May, the largest bilateral visit in 15 years, signaling renewed confidence in Turkish markets and aiming to strengthen cooperation across pharmaceuticals, logistics, energy, and defense sectors.

Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken says the US and Nato face a "marriage crisis" due to frustrations and miscomprehension.

Belgium's defense minister faces criticism over drone policy and procurement.

Belgian minister: Türkiye quietly rising as naval power

President Erdogan received Queen Mathilde of Belgium at Vahdettin Mansion, discussing bilateral cooperation across trade, defense, energy, and agriculture sectors. The visit marks Belgium's first high-level delegation to Turkey in 14 years, featuring 428 business representatives.

Belgian queen leads major trade mission to Türkiye

Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken met with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in Washington to discuss NATO budget commitments, defense cooperation, and Belgium's role in clearing the Strait of Hormuz amid Trump's threats to withdraw from NATO.

Belgium's defense minister visited Washington to address NATO-U.S. tensions, acknowledging a "marriage crisis" while committing to increase military spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2034 and rebuild depleted defense capabilities following decades of underinvestment.

Iran's military warned of retaliation after the U.S. Navy seized an Iranian merchant vessel in the Arabian Sea, with Tehran suspending nuclear peace talks and rejecting Washington's demands regarding its nuclear program and missile capabilities.

Belgium's Defense Minister, Theo Francken, stated that security is a fundamental right. He emphasized saying no to anti-Semitism.