Turkey and Germany Discuss Middle East Tensions, Bilateral Defense Cooperation
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Saturday to discuss the escalating Middle East conflict and strengthen bilateral ties. During a joint press conference, Erdoğan called for an immediate cease-fire, warning that the violence, which he claimed began in Gaza, had now extended to Lebanon. He urged the international community to pressure Israel to stop its military actions, which he described as “massacres.”
Erdoğan also reaffirmed Turkey’s willingness to accept refugees, including those from Lebanon, in light of the growing regional unrest. Scholz emphasized the need for de-escalation and reiterated Germany’s support for a two-state solution to ensure peace between Israel and the Palestinians.
Beyond the Middle East, the leaders addressed bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade and defense. Erdoğan praised the countries’ trade relations, noting that bilateral trade had reached $50 billion, with a target of $60 billion. He expressed hope for enhanced defense cooperation and lauded Scholz’s efforts to ease restrictions on arms exports to Turkey.
