The statement pointed out that Türkiye has a unique position on the international stage and said, "Turkey, which plays a central role in Black Sea security as a NATO ally, maintains its contacts with both Kiev and Moscow. Hosting various rounds of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, Turkey continues its diplomatic initiatives in search of permanent peace. Türkiye's influence also extends to the Middle East." evaluation was included.
In the statement, it was stated that Türkiye is involved in diplomatic efforts regarding Gaza and plays an important role in the future of Syria. "Türkiye is also expanding its political and diplomatic presence beyond its immediate surroundings, especially in the Horn of Africa." his opinion was shared.
In the statement, it was emphasized that Türkiye, which is a candidate for European Union (EU) membership and has been in the Customs Union with the EU since 1995, is deeply integrated into Europe's trade and production chains, and underlined that there is a significant potential for cooperation, especially in the fields of industry, defense, energy, innovation and new trade routes.
In the statement, it was pointed out that the basis of the relations between the two countries is the strong ties between peoples, and it was stated that Turks have contributed to the economic, social and cultural life of Belgium for generations since the signing of the agreement on the employment of Turkish workers in 1964.
“YOU CANNOT ADDRESS EUROPEAN SECURITY WITHOUT RELATIONSHIP WITH TURKEY”
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot, whose statements were included in the statement, said, "You cannot seriously address European security without establishing relations with Turkey. In addition to being an important NATO ally, Turkey is a diplomatic actor with contacts and influence in regions that are vital for our security." gave his message.
Stating that Türkiye can contribute to the advancement of diplomatic solutions, from efforts to ensure peace in Ukraine to stability in the Middle East, Black Sea and Horn of Africa, Prevot pointed out that the political and economic cooperation between the two countries has a significant potential that has not yet been evaluated.
"We don't agree on everything, but that's why it's important to maintain strong relationships and regular dialogue," Prevot said. made his assessment.
Underlining the importance of taking better advantage of cooperation opportunities with Türkiye, a close neighbor, Prevot called for the modernization of the Customs Union.
"WE SHOULD CONTINUE STRENGTHENING OUR INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION"
In the statement, it was stated that the meeting in Brussels is expected to give new impetus to the cooperation between the competent authorities of the two countries, especially in the fields of justice, security and migration.
In the statement, it was stated that the fight against terrorism and organized crime would come to the fore in the meetings between the ministers of justice, and it was noted that strengthening the cooperation between judicial authorities and facilitating cross-border investigations within the framework of respect for the rule of law and basic legal guarantees would be discussed during the talks, due to criminal networks operating across the border.
Belgian Minister of Justice Annelies Verlinden, whose statements were included in the statement, pointed out that organized crime knows no borders and stated that criminal networks cooperate at the international level, manage cross-border money flows and take advantage of differences between legal systems.
"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 organized crime," Verlinden said. he said.
"IT WILL ALLOW US TO REINFORCE OUR COOPERATION IN THE FIELD"
In the statement, it was stated that migration would also be on the agenda of the meeting.
The statement underlined that Türkiye, located at the intersection of various migration routes to Europe, is considered an important partner in this field, and noted that ways to strengthen cooperation between relevant administrations on migration and consular issues in line with European and international obligations will be discussed.
Belgian Minister of Asylum and Migration Anneleen Van Bossuyt, whose statements were included in the statement, said, "It is of great importance to strengthen our ties and share our experiences. I also welcome the invitation for our administration to see Türkiye's practices on site. This will allow us to further strengthen our cooperation in the field." made his assessment.
"BILATERAL ACTION PLAN AGREEMENT ON POLICE COOPERATION WILL BE SIGNED"
In the statement, it was announced that a new bilateral action plan agreement on police cooperation would be signed within the scope of the meeting.
The statement stated that the agreement aims to strengthen the cooperation between the Belgian and Turkish police departments, especially in the fight against organized crime and international criminal networks, and added: "The agreement will turn the common determination of the two countries to work more closely in the fight against threats that transcend national borders into concrete steps." information was given.
Belgian Minister of Security and Internal Affairs Bernard Quintin, whose statements were included in the statement, stated that Belgium and Türkiye are already in close cooperation in the field of security, and stated that the coordination between police organizations will be further strengthened as criminal networks increasingly gain an international character.
Quintin said, "The new agreement will allow for faster information sharing, exchange of expertise and organizing joint training in the field. Our goal is clear: to better protect our citizens by fighting organized crime faster and more decisively." gave his message.
