Human Rights Watch urged Merz to denounce Turkey’s repression of the opposition and the detention of Istanbul’s mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu.
Strengthening Strategic Ties
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for a stronger strategic alliance with Turkey to address global challenges during his first official visit to Ankara. Turkey continues to play a vital mediating role in the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.
Merz appeared beside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan only days after Turkey and the United Kingdom signed a multi-billion-euro agreement to sell 20 Eurofighter Typhoon jets.
Germany, part of the consortium that builds these fighter aircraft, recently ended its opposition to exporting them to Turkey.
Reports suggest Germany also supports Turkey’s involvement in the €150 billion Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program, which aims to strengthen Europe’s defence capabilities.
SAFE permits non-EU states, including Turkey, to join its defence projects. Greece rejects Turkey’s inclusion, insisting Ankara must first withdraw its threat of war over sea boundary disputes with Athens.
Merz did not reference SAFE directly but stressed the importance of closer cooperation.
“Germany and Turkey should better harness the immense potential of our relations in the coming months and years,” he said.
He added, “We are entering a new geopolitical era shaped by great-power politics. Germany and Europe must deepen strategic partnerships, and a close partnership with Turkey is essential.”
Disagreements Over Rights and Gaza
Tensions arose during the joint press conference over human rights and Gaza. Human Rights Watch again pressed Merz to oppose Turkey’s crackdown and İmamoğlu’s arrest.
Authorities have detained the opposition leader since March on corruption charges he rejects. This week, prosecutors filed new espionage accusations against him.
Merz avoided naming İmamoğlu but remarked, “Some decisions in Turkey still fall short of Europe’s standards for rule of law and democracy.”
Erdoğan defended his judiciary, saying, “Anyone who violates the law faces consequences in a state ruled by law, regardless of position.”
Merz affirmed Germany’s unwavering support for Israel since its founding but added, “That does not mean we accept every Israeli government decision without criticism.”
He reiterated that Israel acted in self-defence and stated, “Hamas could have ended the war immediately by freeing hostages and laying down its weapons.”
Erdoğan countered, accusing Israel of employing “starvation and genocide” as tactics of war. He said Hamas lacks bombs or nuclear arms, while Israel possesses both, and challenged Germany’s stance by asking, “Can’t you see this?”
