Overview
- Speaking in Ankara beside President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged a broader strategic partnership between Europe and Turkey.
- Days before the visit, the United Kingdom and Turkey finalized a multi‑billion‑dollar sale of 20 Eurofighter Typhoons after Germany lifted its longstanding export objection.
- Reporting indicates Berlin supports Turkish participation in the €150 billion Security Action for Europe defense initiative, though Merz did not reference SAFE in public remarks.
- Greece voiced opposition to Turkey joining SAFE, citing unresolved maritime disputes and Ankara’s standing threat of war linked to sea boundaries.
- Sharp differences surfaced on rights and Gaza as Human Rights Watch pressed Merz over Turkey’s opposition crackdown, new espionage charges were filed against detained Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, Erdogan accused Israel of using “starvation and genocide,” and Merz maintained German support for Israel while allowing for criticism.