ANKARA
Belgian Crown Prince Philippe decorated Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan, Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism Ertugrul Gunay and former Turkish Foreign Minister Yasar Yakis with the Belgian Order of Leopold II in a ceremony held at the Sheraton Hotel in Ankara.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Belgian Ambassador in Ankara, Pol De Witte said that the Turkish economy survived serious economic crisis successfully under Babacan's leadership.
Belgian investors were pleased with Turkey's economic performance and Babacan contributed enormously to the Turkish economy's success, Ambassador Witte stated.
"Mr. Gunay extended support to the Sagalassos project and made important contributions to Belgium's scientific and cultural development," Witte stressed.
"We respect Yasar Yakis's independent thoughts and wise analysis," Witte noted.
Speaking to the Anadolu Agency (AA) following the ceremony, Ertugrul Gunay said that he was honored to receive the Order of Leopold II.
The ceremony was attended by the Belgian Princess Mathilde, high level diplomats, businesspeople and many dignitaries.
