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Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will visit Germany on Nov. 28 at the invitation of German Foreign Minister Johann David Wadephul, in what will be Fidan’s first official bilateral trip to the country, according to diplomatic sources from Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry.
Fidan last traveled to Germany on Feb. 14–17 to attend the 61st Munich Security Conference. Wadephul visited Ankara on Oct. 17. During his visit, Fidan is also expected to meet with Turkish businesspeople and representatives of civil society in Germany.
During his meeting with Wadephul, Fidan is expected to emphasize the importance of maintaining active consultation and dialogue mechanisms between Türkiye and Germany. He will highlight how recent high-level contacts have strengthened bilateral momentum.
Fidan is also expected to express satisfaction with the steady development of economic and trade ties, while exploring ways to advance cooperation in the energy and transportation sectors. He is likely to stress the potential for expanding collaboration in high-tech fields such as artificial intelligence, connectivity and digitalization.
On Türkiye–EU relations, Fidan is expected to present Türkiye’s expectations regarding the modernization of the Customs Union, progress in the Visa Liberalization Dialogue, and Türkiye’s inclusion in the European Union’s industrial strategy. He will call for a more institutionalized, trust-based relationship with the EU and is expected to welcome recent positive statements favoring the revitalization of strategic dialogue with Türkiye.
Fidan is also expected to underline Türkiye’s role as a NATO ally and contributor to European stability and prosperity. He will highlight the need for EU defense and security initiatives to complement NATO and include coordination with Türkiye. He may also propose expanding Türkiye’s participation in the proposed European Security for Europe (SAFE) mechanism.
The ministers will likely discuss strengthening bilateral military ties and defense-industry cooperation. Fidan is expected to highlight the importance of the recent agreement allowing Türkiye to procure Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft.
Regional and international issues will also be on the agenda. Fidan is expected to reaffirm Türkiye’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at securing a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. He will stress Ankara’s readiness to contribute to international initiatives that support diplomacy and cease-fire efforts.
Regarding the crisis in Gaza, Fidan is expected to state that attempts by Israel to undermine the cease-fire must not be allowed. He will emphasize the need for a permanent truce, the continuous delivery of humanitarian aid, the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the launch of reconstruction efforts. He is also expected to stress that steps taken under the recent U.N. Security Council resolution, including the creation of a Peace Council and an International Stabilization Force, must align with a two-state solution framework.
On Syria, Fidan will likely highlight the importance of preserving the country’s territorial integrity and unity as a foundation for lasting stability and security. He will also note that Syria’s recent inclusion in the Global Coalition Against Daesh reinforces its position in global counterterrorism efforts and argue that all restrictions and sanctions on Syria should be lifted accordingly.
Fidan is also expected to reiterate that the peace, security and well-being of the Turkish community in Germany remain a top priority for Ankara.
Türkiye–Germany relations continue to progress across political, economic, commercial, military, cultural and human dimensions, supported by frequent mutual visits. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited Türkiye on Feb. 5, 2025, and Chancellor Friedrich Merz followed with a visit on Oct. 29–30.
Germany is Türkiye’s largest trading partner in Europe and its top export destination globally. In 2024, the two countries recorded a bilateral trade volume of $47.5 billion, with Türkiye exporting $20.4 billion and importing $27.08 billion. The short-term goal remains to raise that volume to $60 billion.
Germany’s direct investments in Türkiye totaled $771 million in 2024, accounting for 12% of all foreign direct investment that year. Between 2005 and 2024, German investments in Türkiye reached $13 billion, while Turkish investments in Germany surpassed $4 billion.
The Türkiye–Germany Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO), tasked with diversifying and deepening bilateral economic cooperation, last met in Berlin on Sept. 27, 2024. The next session is scheduled to be held in Türkiye in the first half of 2026.
The Turkish community in Germany, numbering over 3 million people, continues to form the social and cultural foundation of the bilateral relationship. Their presence plays a key role in strengthening ties between the two countries across all sectors.
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