On 18 January the Belgian minister of Foreign Affairs Didier Reynders met for the first time his Turkish colleague Ahmet Davutoğlu. During this meeting in Brussels the ministers discussed the situation in Syria and in Iran. Turkey plays an increasingly important role in Syria, similar to the Arab League, actor of critical importance in the resolution of the Syrian conflict.

During their meeting the ministers also discussed several bilateral issues, including the economic and trade mission led by Prince Philippe due to take place next October in Turkey and the visa issue.