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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set to visit Türkiye in October, marking a significant moment in the evolving relationship between Berlin and Ankara as both nations navigate complex regional challenges and bilateral interests.
Turkish Ambassador to Germany Gokhan Turan confirmed the upcoming visit during an event in Nuremberg, stating that German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul will travel to Ankara in October, followed by Merz's visit "within one or two weeks."
The planned visit comes months after Merz and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held their first face-to-face meeting in May during the European Political Community Summit in Tirana, Albania's capital. According to German government sources, Merz "gladly accepted" Erdogan's invitation to visit Türkiye during that encounter.
While German authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the chancellor's trip, diplomatic sources indicate several critical issues will dominate discussions, including defense cooperation, trade relations, visa facilitation, and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The diplomatic momentum follows a significant defense agreement reached weeks after the Tirana meeting, when Berlin approved the sale of 40 Eurofighter combat aircraft to Türkiye. The decision signaled a potential strengthening of defense cooperation between the NATO allies after years of strained relations.
Economic ties remain a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship. Ambassador Turan highlighted that Germany serves as Türkiye's most important European trade partner, with bilateral trade volume reaching approximately $50 billion. "Through these commercial relations, millions of people are employed," Turan noted during his remarks.
Visa facilitation emerged as another priority area, with Turan acknowledging German efforts to streamline processes, particularly for business travelers. "We want this process to be accelerated and further facilitated," he said. "We are in constructive dialogue and hope to see results soon."
The Ukraine conflict adds another dimension to the diplomatic agenda. Merz has previously suggested that Erdogan could leverage his influence with Russia to bring President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table. "After three and a half years of this terrible war in Ukraine, I asked President Erdogan to use his influence for peace," the German leader had stated.
The October visit represents a notable shift in German-Turkish relations, which have experienced significant tensions in recent years over various issues including human rights concerns and regional policies. The meetings are expected to address both bilateral cooperation opportunities and broader regional security challenges facing Europe and the Middle East.
Germany's Turkish community, numbering over three million people, makes Türkiye's relationship with Berlin particularly significant beyond traditional diplomatic channels. The upcoming visit suggests both leaders are seeking to reset relations amid changing geopolitical dynamics in Europe and the broader region.
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