On Saturday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Turkey to discuss the tense situation in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine and refugee issues. The visit, which will take place in Istanbul, aims to strengthen bilateral relations, which have often been difficult due to differing views on human rights and democratic standards in Turkey. Erdogan is also hoping to gain German support for the purchase of Eurofighter jets.
German-Turkish relations against the backdrop of conflicts
Germany, which is home to the largest Turkish diaspora in the world (about three million people), has a sensitive relationship with Ankara. Recently, these relations have become even more complicated due to different positions on the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Erdogan has strongly condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza and Lebanon, calling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a “Nazi” and accusing him of “genocide”. At the same time, Berlin took the side of Israel, recognising its right to self-defence, but calling for restraint.
Refugees and migration: the main topic of the meeting
The main topic of the talks, according to analysts, will be cooperation on refugees, especially in the context of growing anti-immigrant sentiment in Europe. Germany, which is facing problems due to the influx of refugees, has announced a plan to speed up the deportation of those who have been rejected for asylum. Although Turkey has denied any such agreement, both countries share a common interest in protecting their borders from illegal migration.
Military negotiations: Eurofighter instead of F-16?
Turkey is also hoping to advance negotiations on the purchase of 40 Eurofighter Typhoons to compensate for delays in the delivery of US F-16 fighter jets. However, the negotiations are complicated by disagreements between Germany and Turkey over the conflict in Gaza. Germany, as one of the key members of the Eurofighter consortium (along with the UK, Italy and Spain), could veto the deal.
One of the reasons for Berlin’s concern is the possible use of these aircraft by Turkey against Kurdish rebels in the southeastern part of the country or in Syria. However, according to experts, there are more important issues, such as security in Europe, that could help move the deal forward.
Turkey between Russia and the West
An additional aspect of concern in the West is Turkey’s possible rapprochement with Russia amid the war in Ukraine. Although Ankara maintains relations with both sides of the conflict, providing Ukraine with drones, it has not joined Western sanctions against Moscow. This has caused concern among Western countries seeking to maintain unity in support of Ukraine.
It is expected that the meeting between Scholz and Erdogan will be an important step in resolving a number of key issues of regional security, military agreements and refugee problems that continue to shape the foreign policy of both countries.
