België en Turkije hervatten na tien jaar hun ministeriële dialoog om samenwerking te versterken

België en Turkije hervatten na tien jaar hun ministeriële dialoog om samenwerking te versterken

Belgium and Türkiye revive ministerial dialogue after ten years to strengthen cooperation lien.horemans Tue, 10/20/2026 - 11:13 Press release Türkiye Cooperation BELGIUM FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF BELGIUM_BEM IN TÜRKIYE_DAY 02_0019.jpg October 20, 2026 For the first time in ten years, seven Belgian and Turkish ministers will meet this Tuesday at the Egmont Palace in Brussels to build on the renewed momentum in relations between the two countries. The meeting will strengthen political dialogue with a partner of vital importance to Europe, while also advancing cooperation in areas that directly affect citizens, including security, justice and migration. Ministers Maxime Prévot (Foreign Affairs), Annelies Verlinden (Justice), Bernard Quintin (Security and Home Affairs) and Anneleen Van Bossuyt (Asylum and Migration) will welcome their Turkish counterparts Hakan Fidan (Foreign Affairs), Akın Gürlek (Justice) and Mustafa Çiftçi (Interior). Türkiye occupies a distinctive position on the international stage. As a NATO ally, it plays a central role in Black Sea security and maintains contacts with both Kyiv and Moscow. Having facilitated several rounds of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, it continues to offer its good offices in the search for lasting peace. Its influence also extends to the Middle East, where it is involved in diplomatic efforts concerning Gaza and plays an important role in Syria's future. Beyond its immediate neighbourhood, Ankara has also expanded its political and diplomatic presence in Africa, particularly in the Horn of Africa. "You cannot seriously discuss European security without engaging with Türkiye. It is an important NATO ally, but also a diplomatic player with contacts and influence in regions that are vital to our security. From efforts to bring peace to Ukraine to stability in the Middle East, the Black Sea and the Horn of Africa, Türkiye can help advance diplomatic solutions. Europe has every interest in deepening this relationship, particularly given the considerable untapped potential of our political and economic cooperation. We do not always see eye to eye, but that is precisely why maintaining strong relations and regular dialogue matters," Minister Prévot emphasises. The desire to strengthen relations does not erase differences, particularly on human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law. Belgium remains firmly committed to these principles. Strong relations must also allow for open discussions on issues where positions diverge. Growing economic ties and people-to-people relations This political rapprochement builds on already particularly close economic ties. As a candidate for European Union membership and a partner in a customs union with the EU since 1995, Türkiye is deeply integrated into European trade and production chains. Yet considerable potential remains, particularly in industry, defence, energy, innovation and new trade routes. At the EU-Türkiye Business Summit held in Brussels on 13 October, Minister Prévot therefore called for the modernisation of the customs union to make better use of the opportunities for cooperation with this close neighbour. This ambition was already at the heart of the Belgian economic mission to Türkiye last May, led by Queen Mathilde. Bringing together 428 participants, including representatives of 194 companies, the mission resulted in 33 agreements between businesses and helped strengthen political contacts at the highest level, notably between Ministers Prévot and Fidan. Investment also flows in both directions. In Belgium, the Turkish-founded Ciner Glass group is investing more than €600 million in a new glass manufacturing plant in Lommel, expected to create around 550 direct jobs. These relations are also rooted in particularly strong people-to-people ties. Around 270,000 people of Turkish origin live in Belgium, where successive generations have contributed to economic, social and cultural life since the signing of the agreement on the employment of Turkish workers in 1964. Conversely, approximately 10,000 Belgians live in Türkiye, while some 620,000 Belgian tourists visited the country in 2025. Academic, scientific and cultural exchanges also help bring the two societies closer together. Concrete progress on justice, security and migration The meeting in Brussels will give fresh impetus to cooperation between the authorities of both countries, particularly in the areas of justice, security and migration. The fight against terrorism and organised crime will feature prominently in discussions between the justice ministers. With criminal networks operating across borders, talks will focus in particular on ways to strengthen cooperation between judicial authorities and facilitate cross-border investigations, while respecting the rule of law and fundamental legal safeguards. "Organised crime does not stop at borders. Criminal networks cooperate internationally, move financial flows across borders and exploit differences between legal systems. That is why we must continue to strengthen our international cooperation. Only by joining forces can we disrupt their activities and better protect our society and economy from the threat posed by organised crime," Minister Verlinden emphasises. Migration will also be on the agenda. Located at the crossroads of several migration routes towards Europe, Türkiye is an important partner in this field. The ministers will explore ways to strengthen cooperation between their respective administrations on migration and consular matters, in accordance with European and international commitments. "Türkiye is an important partner for Belgium and Europe on migration. An effective migration policy cannot therefore be limited to the European Union's external borders. Strengthening our ties and exchanging experiences is essential. I also welcome the invitation extended to our administration to see first-hand how Türkiye operates. This will allow us to further consolidate our cooperation on the ground", Minister Van Bossuyt says. Finally, the meeting will lead to the signing of a new bilateral action plan on police cooperation. The agreement will strengthen collaboration between Belgian and Turkish police services, particularly in combating organised crime and international criminal networks. It will translate the two countries' shared determination to work more closely together against threats that do not stop at national borders into concrete action. "Belgium and Türkiye already cooperate closely on security. But as criminal networks increasingly operate internationally, our police services will continue to strengthen that close coordination. In practical terms, this new agreement will allow us to exchange information more quickly, share expertise and organise joint training on the ground. Our objective is clear: to better protect our citizens by tackling organised crime faster and more forcefully," Minister Quintin says. Keep up-to-date Subscribe to our newsletters to stay informed about the activities of our FPS Our spokespersons Florinda Baleci florinda.baleci@diplobel.fed.be Maxime Ramon maxime.ramon@diplobel.fed.be Social Media Hide all social media Show all social media