German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul to address the escalating Middle East crisis and migration challenges. The meeting followed discussions with US President Joe Biden and leaders from France and Britain in Berlin.
While some hope for a ceasefire in Gaza after the recent killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar by Israel, Erdogan continues to criticize Western support for Israel, calling it a “terror state,” despite Germany’s backing of Israel’s right to self-defense.
Scholz expressed hope for a ceasefire following Sinwar’s death, potentially paving the way for negotiations. Meanwhile, Turkey’s foreign minister met with Hamas officials to discuss a possible ceasefire deal and the exchange of hostages and prisoners.
The talks between Scholz and Erdogan, sensitive due to Germany’s concerns over human rights and democracy in Turkey, also focused on migration and Turkey’s plans to purchase 40 Eurofighter Typhoons. This meeting marks Scholz’s second visit to Turkey since taking office in 2022.
[ad_2]
Source link