Overview
- Merz was received with military honors in Ankara before closed‑door talks and a joint press conference scheduled for later in the day.
- Discussions focus on Gaza ceasefire and stabilization efforts, the war in Ukraine, migration readmission, and defense cooperation including Turkey’s bid to join the EU’s Safe program.
- Ankara is asking Berlin to help overcome Greece’s veto on Safe participation, and Germany has signaled support in principle for Turkey’s inclusion.
- Rights groups and SPD politicians want Merz to address a new arrest warrant for ousted Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, while no meetings with opposition figures are planned.
- Turkey has offered to take part in a prospective Gaza stabilization force, a role Israel rejects, and Erdogan has invited Merz and his wife to an unusually personal state dinner.