German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited Istanbul, pledging to strengthen defense cooperation with NATO ally Türkiye. He confirmed the approval of arms deliveries and military equipment to Türkiye, emphasizing their NATO alliance.
Scholz mentioned ongoing talks between Britain and Türkiye regarding the sale of Eurofighter Typhoon jets, a project involving four European countries. Germany’s approval is essential for the sale.
Highlighting the need for closer cooperation on foreign policy and security, Scholz condemned Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine and expressed support for EU-Türkiye collaboration. He encouraged the normalization of Turkish-Greek relations for stability in the region.
The visit also saw Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan participating in an EU foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels, discussing the Russia-Ukraine war and regional issues. Scholz praised the involvement as a positive step towards enhancing Türkiye’s relationship with the EU.
Overall, Scholz’s visit emphasized the importance of strategic ties between Germany and Türkiye amidst global conflicts and the significance of diplomatic efforts in resolving conflicts in the region.