{"id":32114,"date":"2026-07-27T13:23:46","date_gmt":"2026-07-27T10:23:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bicakhukuk.com\/?p=32114"},"modified":"2026-07-27T13:32:47","modified_gmt":"2026-07-27T10:32:47","slug":"belgian-national-day-reception","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bicakhukuk.com\/en\/belgian-national-day-reception\/","title":{"rendered":"B\u0131\u00e7ak at the Belgian National Day Reception in Ankara"},"content":{"rendered":"

B\u0131\u00e7ak Law Firm was represented by Attorney Melih Burak B\u0131\u00e7ak<\/a> at the Belgian NationalDay Reception hosted by the Embassy of Belgium in Ankara<\/a>. 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 T\u00fcrkiye.<\/span><\/p>\n

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 T\u00fcrkiye, and Mrs. H\u00e9l\u00e8ne Van de Velde<\/strong>. The event welcomed numerous distinguished guests, including Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur \u00d6zdemir G\u00f6kta\u015f, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Zeki Levent G\u00fcmr\u00fck\u00e7\u00fc, ambassadors accredited to T\u00fcrkiye, senior public officials, business representatives and members of the diplomatic community. <\/span>The evening commenced with the national anthems of Belgium and T\u00fcrkiye, symbolising the close friendship and mutual respect that continue to characterise bilateral relations.<\/span><\/p>\n

Belgium and T\u00fcrkiye Continue to Deepen Their Strategic Partnership<\/span><\/h3>\n

In his address, Ambassador Hendrik Van de Velde underlined that relations between Belgium and T\u00fcrkiye have gained significant momentum during the past year.\u00a0<\/span>One of the most important milestones highlighted by the Ambassador was the Belgian Economic Mission to T\u00fcrkiye<\/strong><\/a> held earlier this year, which brought together a high-level delegation of Belgian companies and institutions seeking to expand commercial cooperation with Turkish partners.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ambassador Van de Velde noted that Belgium has become T\u00fcrkiye’s eighth-largest foreign investor, while T\u00fcrkiye ranks as Belgium’s fifth-largest trading partner within the European Union. Bilateral trade has now reached approximately \u20ac13 billion annually, and more than 700 Belgian companies operate in T\u00fcrkiye, illustrating the depth and diversity of economic cooperation between the two countries.\u00a0<\/span>The Ambassador also expressed Belgium’s support for T\u00fcrkiye’s participation in the European SAFE defence mechanism, emphasising that T\u00fcrkiye’s advanced defence industry represents an important contribution to Europe’s collective security.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Turkish Community in Belgium: A Living Bridge Between Two Nations<\/span><\/h3>\n

A particularly meaningful part of Ambassador Van de Velde’s speech focused on the vibrant Turkish community living in Belgium.\u00a0<\/span>He recalled his recent visits to Eski\u015fehir and Emirda\u011f, expressing his hope that Eski\u015fehir would become “Belgium’s favourite city in T\u00fcrkiye<\/em>“. He noted that approximately 300,000 people of Turkish origin live in Belgium, with many tracing their family roots to Emirda\u011f and the surrounding region.\u00a0<\/span>This long-established community continues to serve as a unique bridge between Belgium and T\u00fcrkiye 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

A Reception Reflecting Friendship and Cultural Diplomacy<\/span><\/h3>\n

The reception also reflected the warm and friendly atmosphere that characterises diplomatic relations in Ankara. <\/span>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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Continuing Our Engagement with the Belgian Business Community<\/span><\/h3>\n

Earlier this year, B\u0131\u00e7ak Law Firm had the privilege of participating in the Belgian Economic Mission to T\u00fcrkiye<\/a>, where our team engaged with Belgian companies exploring investment and commercial opportunities in T\u00fcrkiye.\u00a0<\/span>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. <\/span>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 T\u00fcrkiye, while also assisting Turkish businesses seeking opportunities in Belgium.<\/span><\/p>\n

Supporting Belgian Companies and Investors in T\u00fcrkiye<\/span><\/h3>\n

As an internationally oriented Turkish law firm, B\u0131\u00e7ak Law Firm provides comprehensive legal services to foreign investors and multinational companies across a wide range of sectors. <\/span>Our services include:<\/span><\/p>\n