09.05.2026 15:27
The Economic Mission led by Queen Mathilde of Belgium will visit Turkey from May 10 to 14. The visit will demonstrate the joint will to further strengthen Turkey-Belgium relations, which have gained momentum recently, by diversifying areas of cooperation.
Under the leadership of Queen Mathilde of Belgium, an Economic Mission visit to Turkey will take place on May 10-14. According to information obtained from a Foreign Ministry official, the delegation will include Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot, Defense Minister Theo Francken who is also responsible for foreign trade, Brussels Capital Region Government Prime Minister Boris Dilliés, Flemish Region Government Prime Minister Matthias Diependaele, Walloon Region Government Deputy Prime Minister Pierre-Yves Jeholet, and 428 private sector representatives.
On the occasion of the visit, the joint will to further strengthen Turkey-Belgium relations, which have recently gained momentum, is expected to be demonstrated through diversifying areas of cooperation. Within the scope of the visit, where economic and commercial relations between Turkey and Belgium will be comprehensively addressed, investment and business opportunities in key sectors, particularly energy, defense industry, aviation, logistics, health and life sciences, banking, technology, and digitalization will be evaluated; company visits will be organized, and bilateral meetings as well as business-to-business (B2B) contacts will be conducted.
The official, noting that the Turkey-Belgium Economic Forum will be held, stated that in addition to agreements between the private sectors of the two countries, intergovernmental agreements and documents in the fields of defense, aviation, and social security are expected to be signed. The visit is also expected to highlight the achievements of the Turkish community in Belgium. The Ministers in the Economic Mission delegation will meet with their Turkish counterparts, and the delegation will also hold contacts with various public and private sector representatives in Istanbul and Ankara.
MOMENTUM IN BILATERAL RELATIONS DRAWS ATTENTION
The official, stating that the well-established relations between Turkey and Belgium have gained momentum due to recent regional and global developments, drew attention to the increase in contacts aimed at closer cooperation in recent times. The official said, "In this context, discussions have focused on evaluating cooperation opportunities in many areas such as economy/trade, defense, energy, and connectivity, which will play an important role in the future of bilateral relations, establishing new partnerships, and strengthening cooperation within NATO and the EU framework against common challenges."
The bilateral trade volume between Turkey and Belgium in 2025 was realized at 9.2 billion dollars. Exports were 5 billion dollars, while imports were determined at 4.2 billion dollars. Belgian investment in Turkey amounted to 9.3 billion dollars in the period from 2002 to January 2026. Turkish investment in Belgium was recorded at 490 million dollars in the same period.
The Ministry official emphasized that approximately 300 thousand Turkish citizens living in Belgium serve as an important bridge between the two countries and make significant contributions to Belgium's economic and social life.
BELGIAN ECONOMIC MISSION
The Economic Missions, organized by Belgium twice a year, are known as a significant economic diplomacy activity within the Belgian system, with a strong political dimension. During mission visits, numerous events focusing on key sectors of bilateral economic relations with the host country are organized, and concrete steps are taken to develop cooperation.
FIRST VISIT IN 14 YEARS
The last Economic Mission visit from Belgium to Turkey took place in 2012. The Mission was chaired by King Philippe, who was then the Crown Prince, and Queen Mathilde accompanied him as Princess.