Türkiye urges Belgium to take “concrete measures” against terrorist groups and criminals as ministers discuss extraditions and cross-border crime

Türkiye urged Belgium to take concrete measures against terrorist groups and criminals operating on Belgian territory during a high-level meeting in Brussels. The Turkish foreign, justice and interior ministers met their Belgian counterparts to discuss judicial cooperation, cross-border organized crime and irregular migration.

Justice Minister Akin Gurlek stressed cooperation against the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO). He called on Belgian authorities to investigate front associations, process extradition requests and ensure international protection mechanisms do not obstruct proceedings for serious crimes. Gurlek also called for joint efforts against drug trafficking, human trafficking and money laundering.

Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci called for a coordinated international response with no tolerance for any terrorist organization. He urged Belgium to act against groups linked to the PKK and FETO by closing affiliated institutions and responding positively to extradition requests. Ciftci also stressed the need to repatriate foreign terrorist fighters and strengthen cooperation between justice ministries and Interpol to address irregular migration and organized crime.