German Chancellor Friedrich Merz considers Turkey a close partner of the European Union and wants to develop bilateral economic relations, including in the field of transport.
“I personally and the German government consider Turkey a close partner of the European Union. We want to continue to pave the way to Europe,” Mertz said at a press conference with Erdogan during his first visit to Turkey.
According to Mertz, the parties talked about migration issues. Another important issue on the agenda was defense cooperation.
At the beginning of the week, Turkey signed an agreement on the supply of Eurofighter planes. Mertz welcomed the purchase of 20 Eurofighter planes by NATO member Turkey.
“Russia’s bellicose revisionism threatens Euro-Atlantic security as a whole… and in this context, the German government welcomes Turkey’s decision to acquire 20 Eurofighter jets.” These planes will serve the collective security of the alliance,” he said in Ankara.
It was reported earlier that there will be bilateral discussions on the war in Ukraine and peace efforts in the Middle East. In both conflicts, Turkey has the role of a mediator.