“It’s a sharp turn”: why Turkey is suddenly becoming an important partner for Belgium

For years there was mainly criticism of the regime of Turkish President Erdogan, but today Queen Mathilde is leading the largest Belgian economic mission ever to Turkey. With hundreds of business leaders and a strong political delegation in its wake, the mission’s focus seems to be remarkably on defense. Turkey specialist Professor Dries Lesage (UGent) explains why we are suddenly going to collaborate with the Turks. “It is a sharp turn, and that has to do with our dire security situation.”

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