French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Attractiveness, Nicolas Forissier, is scheduled to undertake a visit to Turkey on February 16 and 17, followed by Albania on February 18. This visit is part of an acknowledged diplomatic and economic re-engagement strategy by France.
A New Chapter in Franco-Turkish Relations
According to a diplomatic source, this trip signifies a desire to “resume diplomatic and economic ties” and to “give a new impetus to the Franco-Turkish relationship.” It comes weeks after Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot’s visit to Ankara, marking a series of high-level contacts between the two nations.
High-Level Economic Discussions Planned
The first leg of Forissier’s visit will take place in Ankara and Istanbul. There, he will co-chair the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) with his Turkish counterpart, Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat. This will be the “first high-level discussion on the economic front in over three years,” with the last committee meeting held in 2022.
Turkey is characterized by the diplomatic source as “an indispensable regional power” with which France aims to “initiate a new dynamic starting in 2026.” Bilateral trade reached “a record high in terms of volume in 2025, amounting to 23.8 billion euros,” primarily driven by aeronautics – notably orders from Turkish airlines – and the automotive sector, due to the intertwined industrial value chains.
French Presence and Future Investments in Turkey
The French presence in Turkey is robust, with 400 French or Franco-Turkish subsidiaries employing 143,000 people. These companies could potentially invest “up to an additional five billion euros over the next three years.”
Minister Forissier is also slated to meet with the Turkish Ministers of Treasury and Industry and Innovation. He will also participate in an economic forum bringing together French and Turkish businesses.
Focus on Energy and Decarbonization
French authorities also note Turkey’s willingness to advance on energy and decarbonization issues, especially in anticipation of the upcoming COP, which Turkey will host. Strengthening cooperation in energy and hydrogen could thus become a new axis of the relationship.
Broader Diplomatic Engagement in the Balkans
The visit will continue on February 18 in Albania, marking the minister’s first trip to the Balkans since assuming office in October. The stated objective is to boost economic interests, which are currently modest, in a country engaged in an EU accession process supported by Paris.
This diplomatic offensive underscores France’s commitment to strengthening its economic and political footprint in key regions, fostering dialogue and cooperation on bilateral and global issues.
