Overview
- At a joint news conference, Erdoğan labeled Israel’s actions in Gaza “genocide” while Merz affirmed Israel’s right to self‑defense and urged Hamas to free hostages, underscoring a sharp policy divide despite Turkey’s recent mediation role.
- Merz pitched a renewed strategic partnership, endorsed bringing Turkey closer to the EU, and announced the restart of suspended political and economic dialogues, including a planned meeting of the defense industry.
- Both sides pointed to defense cooperation, highlighting the agreed delivery of 20 Eurofighter jets—possible after Berlin lifted objections—as a foundation for broader projects.
- Migration dominated Berlin’s agenda, with Merz seeking binding return agreements for rejected Turkish asylum seekers and exploring Turkish help on deportations to Syria, noting that removals have already increased this year.
- The chancellor did not meet opposition leaders and offered only limited public criticism of arrests, drawing reproach from SPD, Greens and rights groups, as Erdoğan defended the judiciary’s actions in the İmamoğlu case.