IRIA News

3 minute read

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hosted German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Ankara on October 30, 2025, with talks centering on Turkiye’s relations with the European Union, regional conflicts, and cooperation on security and humanitarian issues.

Erdogan said Turkiye could make swift progress toward full EU membership if the bloc recognizes the country’s determination, adding that the Turkish community in Germany represents a “shared value and richness” for both nations. He also emphasized the need to combat rising racism, xenophobia, and Islamophobia across Europe.

Focus on Gaza

Erdogan used the meeting to sharply criticize Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, calling it a “genocide” and urging Germany to take a stronger stance. “Hamas does not have bombs or nuclear arms, but Israel does, and it uses them to hit Gaza,” he said. “Do you, as Germany, not see these?”

He added that Israel’s actions have long sought to “suppress Gaza through famine and destruction.” Erdogan urged Berlin to join Ankara’s efforts to ensure the continuous delivery of humanitarian aid, saying the Turkish Red Crescent had sent over 100,000 tons of food, but much more was needed.

“Continued aid deliveries are essential,” he said. “We need to end the deliberate starvation and ensure cooperation between the Turkish Red Crescent and Germany’s Red Cross.”

Erdogan also reaffirmed his support for a two-state solution as the only path to lasting peace, noting that Türkiye’s foreign and defense ministers, as well as intelligence teams, were actively working to prevent further escalation. “Türkiye and Germany are two key countries that can join hands to achieve this,” he said.

Merz defends Israel

German Chancellor Merz, making his first official visit to Turkiye since taking office in May, said Germany would continue to strengthen its cooperation with Ankara on security and regional policy.

While he expressed concern about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, Merz defended Israel’s right to self-defense following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. “It would have taken only one decision to avoid countless unnecessary casualties. Hamas should have released the hostages earlier and laid down its arms,” he said, adding that he hopes the war will end soon with the U.S.-brokered and Turkiye-backed ceasefire deal.

Merz said Germany has suspended military exports to Israel this year due to the worsening humanitarian conditions, but stopped short of labeling the situation as genocide, warning that criticism of Israel must not become a pretext for antisemitism.

EU Relations and Defense Cooperation

On European matters, Erdogan said Turkiye remains committed to its EU accession process and called for tangible steps from Brussels. “If the EU acknowledges our determination, Turkiye can move rapidly toward full membership,” he said.

The Turkish president also underlined the importance of closer cooperation in defense industries, migration management, and the reconstruction of Syria. “We recognize the importance Germany places on working in close coordination with us on Syria,” he added.

Merz described Turkiye as a “highly significant actor in all foreign policy and security issues that concern Germany,” and said his government aims to deepen bilateral ties in the economy, transport, and energy sectors.

Shared Interests Despite Differences

Despite public disagreement over Gaza, both leaders expressed readiness to maintain dialogue and expand collaboration. Erdogan said diplomacy remains essential for resolving conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war, urging Europe to overcome defense supply issues through joint projects.

“Just as we want the Russia-Ukraine war to end, we also support an end to Israel’s war on Gaza,” Erdogan said, adding that “Through cooperation with Germany and other partners, we can contribute to regional stability and peace.”