German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday called Turkey a key partner for the European Union, despite signs of tension in the bilateral relationship.
“I personally, and the German government, see Turkey as a close partner of the European Union. We want to continue smoothing the way to Europe,” Merz said at a joint news conference with Turkish PresidentRecep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara.
It was Merz’s first visit to Turkey since taking office.
He discussed a range of issues with Erdogan, including migration, defense and security.
Turkey’s stifling of dissent, Gaza conflict remain flashpoints
Merz said Germany supports Turkey’s EU bid but emphasized the need for democratic reforms and judicial independence.
He cited concerns over recent decisions that fall short of EU standards.
“There have been decisions in Turkey that do not yet fully meet the standards of the Copenhagen criteria,” Merz said, without naming specific cases. The Copenhagen criteria are the political, economic and administrative conditions a country must meet to join the bloc.
The visit comes as Turkish prosecutors filed new charges against Istanbul’s jailed mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, accusing the politician, seen as a key challenger to Erdogan, of involvement in “espionage.”
Imamoglu was arrested and jailed in March on corruption charges, which he strongly denies.
Asked about the case at the joint news conference, Erdogan said no one can trample on laws, regardless of their position, and added that the judiciary is managing the legal process.
German Chancellor Merz on inaugural visit to Turkey
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The Turkish leader also used the platform to criticize Germany over its support for Israel.
He blamed Berlin for ignoring what he called Israel’s “genocide,” famine and attacks in Gaza.
“Does Germany not see these?” he said, adding that it was the humanitarian duty of Turkey, Germany and other countries to end the famine and massacres in Gaza.
Erdogan’s remarks came in response to Merz, who told a Turkish journalist that Israel had become a refuge for millions of Jews, including many who survived the Holocaust.
“That is why Germany will always stand firmly by the side of the State of Israel,” he said.
Merz and Erdogan discuss growing defense cooperation
Merz and Erdogan found common ground on defense issues.
“Russia’s militant revisionism jeopardizes Euro-Atlantic security as a whole… and in this context, the German government expressly welcomes Turkey’s decision… to procure 20 Eurofighter jets,” Merz said.
He said the move would help bolster “the collective security of the alliance,” referring to NATO, of which Turkey is a member.
Germany recently approved a multibillion-euro deal to supply Turkey with 20 Eurofighter jetsImage: Umit Bektas/REUTERS
Erdogan said Turkey and Germany must focus on joint projects.
“In light of the changing security conditions in Europe, we must leave behind problems in the procurement of defense industry products and focus on joint projects,” Erdogan said.
The two leaders also discussed migration. Merz said they want to make further progress on the repatriation of failed asylum-seekers.
Edited by: Sean Sinico
