During Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to Berlin, different positions on the Middle East conflict clashed.
In a joint press conference with Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD), Erdogan condemned the Israeli war in the Gaza Strip, which resulted in many deaths among the civilian population. Scholz, however, emphasized that the violence came from the terrorist Hamas and that Israel had a right to self-defense. However, both politicians agreed that in the short term humanitarian ceasefires to provide supplies to the civilian population and in the long term a two-state solution with peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians were necessary.
Erdogan’s visit to Germany, the first in almost four years, was also controversial because of his sharp verbal attacks against Israel in connection with the Gaza war. Although Erdogan condemned the murder of hundreds of Israeli civilians in the terrorist attack on October 7th, he later described Hamas, which was responsible, as a “liberation organization.” On the other hand, he accused Israel of committing “genocide” in the Gaza Strip. He also questioned Israel’s right to exist. However, in the press conference with Scholz, Erdogan avoided further escalation. Even when asked, he did not repeat the allegations.
“It’s no secret that we have very different views on the conflict,” said Scholz in the press conference, which was followed by a dinner together. That’s precisely why the discussions are important. Scholz reiterated the German position: “Let me say very clearly: Israel’s right to exist is irrefutable for us.” And: “Anyone who knows Germany knows: Our solidarity with Israel is beyond question. Israel has the right under international law to defend itself.” At the same time, Scholz emphasized: “The suffering of the Palestinian civilian population in Gaza also depresses us.” Germany has been one of the largest donors of aid to the Palestinian population for decades.
Erdogan called for a humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza war. If Germany and Turkey could reach such a ceasefire together, there would be a chance of saving the region from this “ring of fire,” he said. “The priority for all of us is to ensure a ceasefire and the full provision of humanitarian assistance.” Everyone must work for lasting peace in the Middle East. “How much can Germany contribute? How can we take these steps together?”
The Turkish president criticized Israel for killing thousands of Palestinians, destroying hospitals and bombing prayer houses and churches. “Why is there no reaction?”
Delivery of Eurofighter fighter aircraft
Shortly before Erdogan’s arrival, Turkey pushed for a German yes to the purchase of Eurofighter jets. Defense Minister Yasar Güler said on Thursday that Turkey intended to buy 40 of the fighter jets and already had approval from Britain and Spain. Now they want to convince Germany. The government is aware of Ankara’s interest in the aircraft, said government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit in Berlin. It was expected that this topic would also come up at the dinner table. In the joint press conference, Erdogan said there are many countries that produce fighter jets, not just Germany. “Of course you can also get this from other countries.”
Grain agreement with Russia
Scholz thanked Erdogan for his personal commitment to the grain agreement with Russia, which made it possible to export grain from Ukraine despite the war. Turkey had played a “constructive and important role” here, he emphasized. “It is bitter that Moscow is no longer continuing this agreement.” According to Erdogan’s statement, Russia wants to send large quantities of grain to Africa again. Turkey is ready to help with a grain corridor in the Black Sea.
Limiting irregular migration
Scholz expressed German interest in continuing the migration agreement between the EU and Turkey. “We are united by the goal of limiting irregular migration,” he said. The 2016 agreement was a good agreement. “I am committed to ensuring that this agreement continues in the European Union. It is to our mutual benefit.” We will also have to talk about the question of returning migrants.
Turkey’s relations with the EU
Scholz announced that he also wanted to talk to Erdogan about how concrete progress could be achieved in Turkey’s relations with the European Union. “In recent years we have fallen short of our possibilities and our potential in relations between the EU and Turkey.” Erdogan emphasized that his country sincerely wants the EU accession process to continue. Germany’s support is very important. “Turkey has been waiting at the door of the European Union for 52 years.”
Meeting with the Federal President
After his arrival in Berlin, the Turkish President was initially received by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at Bellevue Palace. According to the Federal President’s Office, he also made the German position in the Middle East conflict “strongly” clear. “The Federal President underlined the classification of Hamas’ attack on Israel as a terrorist attack and Hamas as a terrorist organization. He emphasized Israel’s right to exist and its right to self-defense,” it said.
