Germany regards Türkiye as a "strategic partner" within NATO and sees great potential for foreign policy cooperation, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Friday ahead of his official trip to Ankara.
During his day-long visit, Wadephul is scheduled to meet Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan for extensive discussions on a range of critical international and regional issues. The talks will also cover bilateral ties, the evolving EU-Türkiye relationship, ongoing defence industry cooperation, and NATO alliance matters.
Speaking to reporters in Berlin, Germany's top diplomat said his talks in Ankara will cover Middle East developments, the Gaza ceasefire, Syria's political transition, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and other foreign policy issues.
“In the Middle East conflict, Türkiye contributed to the historic ceasefire in Gaza through its mediating role,” Wadephul said, referring to the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel based on US President Donald Trump's 20-point plan.
“With the release of the hostages and the ceasefire, much has been achieved that seemed impossible just a few weeks ago. However, the work toward a safe and dignified future for the people of Gaza is just beginning,” he continued.
“Together, we are pushing for full access for humanitarian actors to alleviate the worst suffering, and together we are working to ensure the full implementation of the 20-point plan for a long-term peace,” Wadephul said.
The German foreign minister also stressed that "Türkiye is a key strategic partner for us within the NATO alliance," noting that discussions with his Turkish counterpart will also address international and regional security matters, as well as the latest developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
“It is our common goal to bring this war to a swift end – to this end, we must also dry up Russia's war chest even more quickly. As the guardian of the Montreux Convention, Türkiye also has direct responsibility for access to the Black Sea. Istanbul is also an important venue for negotiations,” the German minister said.
Germany also supports Türkiye taking part in the European Union’s €150 billion ($176 billion) Security Action for Europe (SAFE) programme, designed to boost investment in defence industries.
Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said he wouldn’t agree to include Türkiye in the scheme, but Wadephul urged Mitsotakis not to be an obstacle.
November 30 is the deadline for countries that want to receive loans through SAFE, and Mitsotakis earlier met on the sidelines of the European Political Community (EPC) Summit in Copenhagen with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, as well as NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, who wants Türkiye to be part of SAFE.
