Bıçak Law Firm was represented by Attorney Melih Burak Bıçak at the Belgian NationalDay Reception hosted by the Embassy of Belgium in Ankara. The event brought together senior Turkish government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders and representatives of the international community to celebrate Belgium’s National Day while reaffirming the longstanding friendship and growing partnership between Belgium and Türkiye.

Held at the Residence of Belgium in Ankara, the reception was hosted by H.E. Mr. Hendrik Van de Velde, Ambassador of Belgium to the Republic of Türkiye, and Mrs. Hélène Van de Velde. The event welcomed numerous distinguished guests, including Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Zeki Levent Gümrükçü, ambassadors accredited to Türkiye, senior public officials, business representatives and members of the diplomatic community. The evening commenced with the national anthems of Belgium and Türkiye, symbolising the close friendship and mutual respect that continue to characterise bilateral relations.

Belgium and Türkiye Continue to Deepen Their Strategic Partnership

In his address, Ambassador Hendrik Van de Velde underlined that relations between Belgium and Türkiye have gained significant momentum during the past year. One of the most important milestones highlighted by the Ambassador was the Belgian Economic Mission to Türkiye held earlier this year, which brought together a high-level delegation of Belgian companies and institutions seeking to expand commercial cooperation with Turkish partners.

Ambassador Van de Velde noted that Belgium has become Türkiye’s eighth-largest foreign investor, while Türkiye ranks as Belgium’s fifth-largest trading partner within the European Union. Bilateral trade has now reached approximately €13 billion annually, and more than 700 Belgian companies operate in Türkiye, illustrating the depth and diversity of economic cooperation between the two countries. The Ambassador also expressed Belgium’s support for Türkiye’s participation in the European SAFE defence mechanism, emphasising that Türkiye’s advanced defence industry represents an important contribution to Europe’s collective security.

The Turkish Community in Belgium: A Living Bridge Between Two Nations

A particularly meaningful part of Ambassador Van de Velde’s speech focused on the vibrant Turkish community living in Belgium. He recalled his recent visits to Eskişehir and Emirdağ, expressing his hope that Eskişehir would become “Belgium’s favourite city in Türkiye“. He noted that approximately 300,000 people of Turkish origin live in Belgium, with many tracing their family roots to Emirdağ and the surrounding region. This long-established community continues to serve as a unique bridge between Belgium and Türkiye by strengthening economic cooperation, cultural understanding and people-to-people relations. Their contribution has played a significant role in fostering the close ties that exist today between the two countries.

A Reception Reflecting Friendship and Cultural Diplomacy

The reception also reflected the warm and friendly atmosphere that characterises diplomatic relations in Ankara. Guests enjoyed an evening of cultural performances and informal discussions, highlighting how diplomacy extends beyond official meetings to include meaningful personal and cultural exchanges that strengthen international friendships.

Continuing Our Engagement with the Belgian Business Community

Earlier this year, Bıçak Law Firm had the privilege of participating in the Belgian Economic Mission to Türkiye, where our team engaged with Belgian companies exploring investment and commercial opportunities in Türkiye. That mission demonstrated the increasing interest of Belgian businesses in the Turkish market and reaffirmed the importance of reliable local legal counsel for cross-border investments, commercial transactions, corporate compliance and dispute resolution. Our participation in the Belgian National Day Reception reflects our continued commitment to supporting the legal needs of Belgian investors, companies and institutions operating in Türkiye, while also assisting Turkish businesses seeking opportunities in Belgium.

Supporting Belgian Companies and Investors in Türkiye

As an internationally oriented Turkish law firm, Bıçak Law Firm provides comprehensive legal services to foreign investors and multinational companies across a wide range of sectors. Our services include:

• Foreign direct investment
• Corporate and commercial law
• International contracts
• Employment law
• Real estate transactions
• Regulatory compliance
• Dispute resolution and arbitration
• White-collar crime and corporate investigations
• Cross-border legal advisory services

Building long-term relationships with diplomatic missions, international organisations and foreign business communities remains an important part of our international practice.

Strengthening Türkiye – Belgium Legal and Commercial Cooperation

Bıçak Law Firm greatly appreciates the efforts of H.E. Ambassador Hendrik Van de Velde and the Embassy of Belgium in promoting stronger diplomatic, commercial and cultural relations between Belgium and Türkiye. We look forward to continuing our engagement with the Belgian diplomatic and business community and to contributing, through our legal expertise, to the further development of bilateral investment and commercial cooperation between our two countries.

Related Reading

Strengthening Türkiye–Belgium Economic Relations: Bıçak Law Firm Participates in the Belgian Economic Mission: https://www.bicakhukuk.com/en/strengthening-turkiye-belgium-economic-relations/