AA / Isatnbul / Seda Sevencan
The Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs welcomed Türkiye on Thursday, calling it a major partner, highlighting the role of the strong community of Turkish origin in strengthening relations between the two countries.
Bernard Quintin, speaking at a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in the capital Ankara, said that “Türkiye is one of Belgium’s most important partners,” citing a large Turkish community in Belgium, which strengthens ties between the two countries.
Ankara and Brussels will commemorate, in 2024, the 60th anniversary of the Labor Agreement between Turkey and Belgium, said Quintin, before adding that “today, Belgian-Turks represent an important part of our society and our country.”
“The Turkish community has distinguished itself not only in civil society but also in the political sphere in Belgium,” he declared, highlighting the existence of “several mayors and several ministers of Turkish origin”.
“This demonstrates that in a relatively short time, the Turkish community has truly integrated into the Belgian system and this is why I consider maintaining this regular dialogue between our two countries at all levels as essential.”
He pointed out that the value of trade between Brussels and Ankara had reached 12 billion euros (about 12.31 billion dollars), making Türkiye Belgium’s fourth trading partner outside the EU.
“So it’s very important for us, but I know we can still do better,” he remarked.
The diplomat reaffirmed Belgium’s support for the Türkiye accession process to the EU and the modernization of the customs union. “You can count on an update of the customs union which will be beneficial for both parties,” he projected.
“You can also count on our support as a candidate country on this path,” he said, emphasizing the importance of a merit-based EU enlargement process. he continued.
— Situation in Syria and Israel’s war against Palestine
Regarding the new Syrian administration, the foreign minister said: “We absolutely want to support the new government.”
“We have already communicated this to them. I sent my special envoy for the Middle East to Damascus last week to speak with this new administration, saying that we are ready to support them,” he said. he asserted.
He underlined Belgium’s commitment to the territorial integrity of Syria, the protection of minorities and governance based on international law.
While expressing his desire to ease sanctions against Syria, Quintin stressed the importance of concrete actions on the part of Damascus.
“Words are important, and certainly in politics, but facts are also important. So we will judge them by their actions,” he noted.
He also reiterated Belgium’s support for the voluntary return of Syrian refugees.
“We are also very keen to help you facilitate the return of refugees. This must be done in parallel with the rules for returning refugees, but they must help in the reconstruction of Syria and not be a burden. This is so very important, and we are very willing to help you (Türkiye),” he said.
As a reminder, Bashar Assad, leader of Syria for nearly 25 years, took refuge in Russia after anti-regime groups seized Damascus on December 8, ending the rule of the Baath party, which was in power. power since 1963.
The change came after fighters quickly captured key towns in an offensive that lasted less than two weeks.
–Situation in Palestine
Addressing Israel’s war against Palestine, he called for an end to the violence and the release of the hostages.
“The violence must stop, humanitarian aid must flow, the hostages must be freed and then we must help Israelis and Palestinians sit down together at the same table to work on the only viable solution, that of two-state solution,” he continued.
He also said his country would implement any decision made by international courts against Israel and Israeli officials.
Despite a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire, the Israeli army has continued its genocidal war against Gaza, which has claimed nearly 45,600 lives, mainly women and children, for over a year. Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel is also the subject of a genocide complaint before the International Court of Justice for the war it waged against the enclave.
– Translated from English by Sanaa Amir
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