Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever encountered an unusual situation upon returning from the NATO summit in Ankara. At the conclusion of the summit, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan presented all attending leaders with an antique Gumusay .357 Magnum revolver, accompanied by live ammunition. Upon his arrival in Belgium, De Wever discovered the firearm and ammunition in his luggage, according to Reuters.
Due to stringent security protocols, he immediately informed airport police, and the revolver was subsequently taken into storage at a military base pending further determination. Reports indicate that all participating leaders received this gift—a revolver presented in a wooden box featuring the Turkish flag and the NATO logo, with the recipient’s name engraved. Responses among the nations varied.
The prime ministers of the Netherlands and Sweden reportedly deposited their weapons at their respective embassies in Ankara. Poland’s president was awaiting the completion of customs procedures. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer received not only the revolver but also a cleaning kit and 500 rounds of ammunition.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen plans to donate the revolver to a military museum. This gesture by Erdogan appeared intended to promote Turkey’s defense industry, which has become a key export sector. However, the gift presented significant legal and logistical challenges for the leaders who departed the summit carrying firearms and ammunition in their personal luggage.
The Belgian prime minister’s experience highlighted the immediate security complications arising from the presentation by Erdogan.
Topics: #revolver #belgian #erdogan
