German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasised Turkey's role as a close ally of the European Union during a joint press conference with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday (October 30), Reuters reports.
"We want to continue paving the way to Europe," Merz said in Ankara, adding that he supports resuming a strategic dialogue at the European level.
Merz acknowledged that Turkey's progress toward meeting the Copenhagen criteria for EU accession remains incomplete, particularly concerning European standards of rule of law and democracy. However, he stressed the importance of ongoing dialogue and Turkey's future role in Europe.
On defence matters, Merz highlighted Turkey's decision to procure 20 Eurofighters, noting Germany's approval for the purchase. "These aircraft serve the collective security of the Alliance. They increase the protection and security of all NATO allies," Merz stated.
Regarding the situation in Gaza, Merz defended Israel's right to self-defence. "The children in Gaza, whose fate also touches me personally, have become victims of hostage-taking by the terrorist organisation Hamas," he said.
