President Erdoğan's NATO Summit gift causes stir in Belgium: Police seize it

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever brought a personalized revolver and ammunition, gifted to him by AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the NATO Summit, back to Belgium without realizing the contents of the gift. This situation led to a minor crisis in the country.

The gift box was opened after the delegation landed in Belgium. It was discovered that the box contained a firearm and ammunition. The weapon was immediately handed over to airport police.

It was stated that the Turkish side had prepared the necessary documents for the export of the weapons and had even included a note with the gifts providing an exemption from export restrictions. However, these documents were not sufficient due to the countries' own arms import regulations and gift policies regarding public officials.

SIMILAR CRISES EXPERIENCED IN OTHER COUNTRIES

Following the development in Belgium, it was observed that similar problems occurred in other countries. It was reported that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was unable to take the weapon to his country, while the revolver given to Dutch Deputy Prime Minister Rob Jetten was left at the Dutch Embassy in Ankara and will be rendered unusable by professional teams.

It was reported that the revolver given to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre was returned in Ankara as part of an agreement reached with the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs due to the country's strict arms import regulations.

It was noted that the gift for Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson is currently being held at the embassy in Ankara, and the necessary permit processes are being awaited for it to be taken to Sweden.

News Source: 12punto