Ankara In a move to revitalize European partnerships, Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz met with Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. The high-level talks at the Presidential Complex signal a “new momentum” for relations between the two NATO allies, focusing on high-tech sectors and regional energy security.
The meeting took place as part of the Belgian Economic Mission to Türkiye, the largest of its kind to date, led by Queen Mathilde.
Strengthening the Strategic Partnership
Vice President Yılmaz underscored the deepening ties in several “future-shaping” sectors. Following the discussions, he highlighted five primary pillars for future cooperation:
- Trade & Investment: Building on a bilateral trade volume that reached $9.2 billion in 2025, with long-term targets reportedly set at $15 billion.
- Defense Industry: Strengthening joint work within the NATO framework to address modern security challenges.
- Energy Security: Collaborating on the “Middle Corridor” initiative to enhance connectivity between Europe and Asia.
- Digital Transformation: Sharing expertise in industrial innovation and digital infrastructure.
- Connectivity: Improving logistics and transport links to facilitate smoother bilateral trade.
A “Turning Point” in EU Relations
Beyond bilateral ties, Yılmaz framed the visit as a broader strategic opportunity for Türkiye’s relationship with the European Union. He called for a “constructive, inclusive, and strategic approach” to revive Türkiye-EU negotiations, noting that Belgium remains a pivotal partner in this process.
“We believe these meetings will open the door to new partnerships and mark a new turning point in our relations with both Belgium and the EU,” Yılmaz stated on the social media platform NSosyal.
Economic Mission Highlights
The Belgian delegation, which included regional leaders and dozens of business executives, participated in a series of forums aimed at diversifying investments.
| Metric | 2025 Performance / Status |
| Bilateral Trade Volume | $9.2 Billion |
| Belgian Investment in TR | ~$9.3 Billion (Cumulative since 2002) |
| Key Cooperation Forums | DEİK Türkiye-Belgium Business Forum |
| Priority Infrastructure | The Middle Corridor & Energy Connectivity |
The visit, which concluded in Istanbul, is seen as a major diplomatic success for the “De Wever” government in Brussels and the Turkish administration, setting the stage for increased defense and energy collaboration through the end of the decade.
