Name: Germany, Turkey reaffirm ties despite Gaza disagreement
Uploaded: 2025-10-31T00:03:56.409Z
Duration: 2 min 35 s
Description: Turkey is a pivotal partner for the European Union and NATO. On his first official visit to Ankara, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz sought to deepen ties. Despite clashing with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Gaza, both leaders emphasized cooperation and mutual interests.

Turkey is a pivotal partner for the European Union and NATO. On his first official visit to Ankara, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz sought to deepen ties. Despite clashing with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Gaza, both leaders emphasized cooperation and mutual interests.

Istanbul

German Chancellor Merz visited Ankara for talks aimed at strengthening German-Turkish relations, which have faced strains in recent years. Both sides highlighted opportunities for expanded cooperation, particularly in defense, with Germany supporting Turkey's acquisition of Eurofighter jets for NATO security.

While the leaders expressed mutual respect and discussed Turkey's European Union ambitions, they openly disagreed on the Gaza conflict, with Merz defending Israel's actions and Erdogan criticizing them. Despite this difference, both countries underscored the importance of their longstanding partnership and the potential for even closer ties.

Germany, Turkey reaffirm ties despite Gaza disagreement

A ceremonial welcome for Chancellor Merz. This visit was billed as a friendly meeting of partners, a relationship that's been strained in recent years, now smoothed by pragmatism and Realpolitik. With this first visit to Ankara, I want to convey this message. In the coming months and years, let us make even better use of the enormous potential of our relationship. Considering the momentum Turkey has gained in the defence industry, it's evident that we have extensive cooperation opportunities with Germany. Berlin has given its backing for NATO ally Turkey to acquire Eurofighter military planes. Merz linked the deal specifically to the conflict in Ukraine. Ankara is just as aware as Berlin that Russia's militant revisionism poses a threat to Euro-Atlantic security as a whole. Our common understanding is that these aircraft serve the collective security of the alliance. They increase the protection and security of all NATO allies. Earlier, Merz paid respects at the mausoleum of Turkey's founding father, Kemal Atatürk. The sense of mutual regard was there too when he spoke of Ankara's aim to join the European Union. Personally, I and my government see Turkey as a close ally of the European Union. We want to continue paving the way to Europe. There was one moment of open disagreement between the two leaders when they were asked about Gaza. While Merz said Israel had exercised self-defence when attacked by Hamas, Erdogan spoke of what he called genocide. Don't you, as Germany, follow this? By attacking Gaza, and not only attacking, they have always striven to inflict hunger and genocide on it, and this continues to this day. Despite differences, the relationship between Turkey and Germany has long been close. It's important, not least for the millions of people with Turkish roots who live in Germany. Both countries are hoping it could become closer still.

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