Turkish President Erdoğan hosted Chancellor Merz in Ankara for high-level discussions. Following the talks between the delegations, both leaders addressed the press. The meeting centered on Türkiye-EU relations, economic and defense cooperation, and shared approaches to current geopolitical challenges.

Türkiye’s EU Membership Back on the Agenda

President Erdoğan reaffirmed that European Union membership remains a “strategic goal” for Türkiye, stating, “If the EU gives Türkiye the recognition it deserves for its determination, we can make significant progress in a short time.” He emphasized that the Turkish community in Germany serves as a “bridge” between the two nations.

Chancellor Merz expressed his support for Turkey's EU membership candidacy.

We want to see Türkiye as part of the European Union. I have proposed a strategic dialogue to President Erdoğan.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz

Economic and Defense Cooperation Take Center Stage

Economic and defense issues were key components of the Ankara talks. Erdoğan announced that the target for bilateral trade is $60 billion, while highlighting efforts to expand defense collaboration.

Merz expressed Germany's satisfaction with Turkey's interest in purchasing Eurofighter jets.

We are entering a new geopolitical era. Türkiye cannot remain on the sidelines. We are close allies within NATO and key partners in security policy.”

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz

Eurofighter Message

Defense collaboration was one of the main topics discussed in Ankara. President Erdoğan underlined the importance of strengthening joint projects in the defense sector, saying:

“In light of changing security conditions in Europe, we must move beyond the difficulties experienced in defense procurement and focus on joint projects. We welcome Germany’s recent positive steps, such as progress on the Eurofighter acquisition process.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan

Tensions Over Gaza and Israel Policies

President Erdoğan criticized Germany’s support for Israel, declaring, “There is genocide in Gaza, and people are being starved. Germany, Türkiye, and other regional nations must act to stop this massacre.” He added that Türkiye is “working hard and fulfilling its responsibilities” concerning Hamas.

The joint press conference turned tense when a reporter questioned Germany’s position on Israel’s military actions in Gaza.

Chancellor Merz, in turn, stressed the need to maintain sanctions on Russia, suggesting that such measures could encourage Moscow to return to the negotiating table.

Tense Exchange Over Gaza

The joint press conference witnessed a tense moment when a reporter questioned Germany’s stance on Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The journalist asked whether Berlin’s unwavering support for Israel — despite tens of thousands of civilian deaths — stemmed from its Nazi-era guilt and whether Germany feared being “on the wrong side of history” once again.

Chancellor Merz responded firmly, stating that “Germany has stood with Israel since its founding and will always stand with Israel.”

President Erdoğan reacted sharply to Merz’s remarks, accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. “They are bombing Gaza — this is genocide, a campaign to discipline people through mass killing. Germany must see what is happening,” Erdoğan said.

The exchange underscored the deep divisions between Ankara and Berlin over Israel’s actions in Gaza, as Türkiye continues to call for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian intervention, while Germany maintains its position as one of Israel’s strongest supporters in Europe.

Rising Racism and Islamophobia in Europe Addressed

President Erdoğan also raised concerns about the growing wave of racism, xenophobia, and Islamophobia in Europe. “We attach great importance to combating these threats and welcome Germany’s recent steps in this regard,” he said, underlining the need for collective action against hate-based discrimination.