Overview
- At a joint press conference in Ankara, Erdoğan accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, while Merz reaffirmed Germany’s support for Israel and its right to self‑defense and urged Hamas to release hostages and disarm.
- Merz promoted a reset in relations that includes tighter coordination on migration and returns, renewed strategic dialogue, economic ties, and defense cooperation following Germany’s approval tied to the delivery of 20 Eurofighter jets.
- On Turkey’s EU aspirations, Merz pledged to help pave a path toward Europe under the Copenhagen criteria as Erdoğan pressed for full membership and defended the judiciary in response to questions about jailed opposition leader Ekrem İmamoğlu.
- Merz acknowledged Turkey’s mediator role in Gaza and Ukraine and asked Ankara to help advance the cease-fire plan and Hamas disarmament, while the two sides also discussed coordination on Syria and potential deportations.
- In Germany, SPD and Green lawmakers criticized Merz’s restrained public stance on Turkey’s human-rights record and his lack of meetings with opposition figures, as the visit featured high protocol, a wreath-laying at Atatürk’s mausoleum, and a palace dinner with the Erdoğan couple.