EPAPresident Erdogan with Chancellor Scholz
NOS Nieuws•gisteren, 21:28
Turkish President Erdogan made a short visit to Germany, where he spoke with President Steinmeier and Chancellor Scholz. It was his first visit to Germany in almost four years. The trip was overshadowed by the two countries’ differing positions on the war between Israel and Hamas.
Erdogan has become increasingly vocal against Israel in recent weeks. Although he condemned the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, he this week called Israel a “terrorist state” that wants to destroy all Gazans. In his eyes, Hamas militants are “resistance fighters” who try to protect their country and people.
That didn’t go down well with Scholz and many other German politicians. Germany is a staunch ally of Israel; the country says Israel has the right to defend itself. The Germans also resisted a ceasefire. Berlin is committed to providing aid to civilians in Gaza and is advocating humanitarian pauses in fighting.
Difficult moments
During the press conference, both government leaders kept it civil. “It’s no secret that we have, in part, very different views on the conflict,” Scholz said. “Especially in difficult moments we have to talk to each other.”
Erdogan looked for agreements. “If we can reach a humanitarian ceasefire with Germany, we can save the region.” Both politicians also agreed that a two-state solution is needed in the long term.
Turkish roots
But the Turkish president also referred to the Second World War. “I speak freely because we owe Israel nothing. Those who do cannot speak freely.”
Erdogan had already been invited to visit Germany months ago, following his victory in the elections. The two countries benefit from maintaining good relations, if only because Germany has three million people with Turkish roots.
Correspondent Charlotte Waaijers:
“There were calls from the Jewish community and from the left to cancel Erdogan’s visit. At the same time, it was also heard that it is important to continue talking to each other, also because Turkey is an important partner for Germany.
For example, Germany hopes to do business with Turkey to slow the influx of migrants, as happened previously with the Turkey deal. This could be offset by money or more flexible visa requirements for Turks. The Turkish economy is in bad shape, which is why Germany sees opportunities to make agreements.”
2023-11-17 20:28:43
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