09.07.2026 10:00
Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken, who came to Ankara for the NATO Summit, hastily deleted his post after facing backlash over a photo where he was seated in front of a portrait of Ataturk. Upon leaving the summit, Francken shared a new photo of himself standing in a suit, apologizing for the perception of disrespect caused by his previous post and reiterating his respect for the Turkish people.
Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken, who is in Ankara for the NATO Summit of Heads of State and Government, had shared a photo taken in a room featuring the Turkish flag and a portrait of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, with the caption: "Hello again, my beautiful Turkey and my ancient friend Mustafa Kemal Atatürk."
However, Francken's sitting posture was deemed disrespectful by some social media users, and following the backlash, the Belgian Minister hastily deleted his post.
THIS TIME SHARES A PHOTO WHILE STANDING
On his way back to his country after the NATO Ankara Summit, Francken published a new photo, this time standing in front of the portrait of Atatürk in his suit.
In his post, Francken stated that his previous photo was perceived by some as disrespectful, expressed that he had no such intention, and apologized.
"I SINCERELY APOLOGIZE TO THE TURKISH PEOPLE"
In his statement, the Belgian Minister reiterated his respect for Turkey and Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, stating that he removed the post that caused misunderstanding.
Francken emphasized that he had no intention of offending the Turkish people and offered his sincere apologies.