German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged stronger strategic cooperation with Turkey during his first official visit to Ankara. He highlighted Turkey’s crucial role in mediating the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Merz emphasized that Europe must deepen its partnership with Turkey to confront global challenges.
Germany, part of the Eurofighter Typhoon consortium, recently approved the export of 20 jets to Turkey after ending a long-standing ban. The move followed a multi-billion-euro deal between Turkey and the United Kingdom. Reports also revealed German support for Turkey’s participation in the €150 billion Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program to strengthen Europe’s defence capacity.
Greece rejected Turkey’s involvement in SAFE, claiming Ankara must first renounce its threat of war over maritime disputes. Merz avoided direct comments on SAFE but urged stronger bilateral cooperation. “Germany and Turkey should use the full potential of our relations,” he said. “We are entering a new era of great power politics, and Europe needs deeper partnerships, especially with Turkey.”
Human Rights and Political Tensions Surface
Human Rights Watch called on Merz to denounce Turkey’s crackdown on opposition leaders, including Istanbul’s mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. Authorities detained İmamoğlu in March on corruption charges he rejects and recently filed new espionage accusations against him.
Merz avoided naming İmamoğlu but criticised Turkey’s democratic shortcomings. “Some decisions here do not meet European standards of rule of law,” he stated. Erdoğan defended Turkey’s judiciary, saying, “If anyone violates the law, the courts must act, regardless of status.”
Gaza Conflict Sparks Heated Exchange
Merz reaffirmed Germany’s historical support for Israel while condemning aspects of its Gaza policy. He said, “Germany stands by Israel, but that doesn’t mean we accept every Israeli government decision.” He blamed Hamas for prolonging the conflict, adding, “If Hamas had freed the hostages and surrendered, the war would have ended immediately.”
Erdoğan denounced Israel’s actions, accusing it of “starvation and genocide” and arguing that Hamas lacks advanced weaponry while Israel holds nuclear arms. He criticised Germany for overlooking the imbalance, asking, “Can’t you see this, Germany?”
