Belgium and Türkiye Strengthen Defense and Economic Ties

May 13, 2026, 19:32
AsiaInternational

Introduction

Belgium and Türkiye have officially signed several strategic defense and economic agreements during a high-level diplomatic visit led by Queen Mathilde.

Main Body

The two countries are significantly expanding their cooperation in the defense industry. Minister Theo Francken emphasized that modern warfare is currently being shaped by Turkish and Ukrainian innovations, particularly in artificial intelligence and drones. Consequently, Belgium wants to reduce its technological gap by using Turkish capabilities and is interested in buying drones, provided they follow European rules. To support this shift, Belgium has appointed a general for drone innovation and increased its defense spending by 60%. This cooperation is supported by nine defense agreements and a formal letter of intent. These plans include joint training, mine-clearing projects in the Black Sea and the Strait of Hormuz, and allowing Turkish officers to study at the Royal Military Academy in Brussels. Furthermore, the delegation visited major companies like Baykar and Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) to discuss the development of unmanned fighter jets and new aviation technology. In addition to military goals, the mission aimed to improve economic relations. Belgian officials supported the modernization of the Türkiye-EU Customs Union and helped Türkiye join the EU's SAFE loan system. Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz noted that trade between the two nations reached $9.2 billion in 2025. Both countries now aim to increase cooperation in energy security, digital technology, and the 'Middle Corridor' logistics network.

Conclusion

The visit ended with a stronger strategic partnership and a shared commitment to improve NATO's industrial capacity before the 2026 summit in Ankara.

Learning

🚀 The 'Power-Up' Shift: From Simple to Sophisticated

At the A2 level, you describe the world with simple verbs. To reach B2, you need to move from doing things to influencing things. Look at how the text describes the relationship between Belgium and Türkiye.

🧩 The Magic of "Formal Connectors"

Instead of using "and" or "so" every time, B2 speakers use logical bridges. Notice these two from the text:

  • Consequently →\rightarrow (A2: So / Because of this)
    • Example: "Belgium wants to reduce its gap; consequently, it is buying drones."
  • Furthermore →\rightarrow (A2: Also / And)
    • Example: "They signed agreements. Furthermore, they visited Baykar."

🛠️ Precision Vocabulary: Stop using "Get" or "Make"

B2 fluency is about precision. The text avoids basic words and uses "Strategic Verbs":

Instead of... (A2)Use this... (B2)Context from Text
Make biggerExpand"...significantly expanding their cooperation."
Help/Make betterModernize"...the modernization of the Customs Union."
Give/GetAppoint"...Belgium has appointed a general."

💡 Pro Tip: The "State of Being" vs. "The Process"

Notice the phrase: "Modern warfare is currently being shaped by..."

This is the Passive Voice. A2 students say: "Turkish innovations shape warfare." (Active).

Why B2s use the Passive: It makes the sentence sound more objective, professional, and academic. It shifts the focus from who did it to what is happening. Try replacing your "Someone did X" sentences with "X is being done by someone."

Vocabulary Learning

modernization
The process of making something more modern or up-to-date.
Example:The modernization of the customs union will improve trade efficiency.
customs
The official duties or taxes imposed on goods that cross a country's borders.
Example:The customs union simplifies the movement of goods between member countries.
technology
The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry.
Example:Digital technology is transforming how businesses communicate with customers.
innovation
The introduction of new ideas, methods, or devices.
Example:Drone innovation has led to more efficient delivery systems.
cooperation
The act of working together toward a common goal.
Example:Cooperation between the two countries strengthens their defense ties.
defense
The protection of a country from external threats.
Example:Defense spending increased by 60% to support new military equipment.
agreement
A negotiated arrangement between parties that is intended to be binding.
Example:The defense agreements include joint training and mine‑clearing projects.
security
The state of being free from danger or threat.
Example:Energy security is a key focus of the new economic partnership.
logistics
The planning and execution of the movement and storage of goods.
Example:The Middle Corridor logistics network will improve trade routes.
summit
A high‑level meeting between leaders of different countries or organizations.
Example:The 2026 summit in Ankara will discuss NATO's industrial capacity.
industrial
Relating to industry or manufacturing.
Example:Industrial capacity refers to the ability to produce goods at scale.
capacity
The maximum amount that something can hold or produce.
Example:Increasing capacity means being able to handle more production.