Ankara: Germany's Social Democrats acknowledge Trkiye's growing role in the region and would like to further enhance relations after the Feb. 23 elections, according to Nils Schmid, one of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's closest aides.

According to Anadolu Agency, Germany appreciates the more constructive role Trkiye has played over the last four years in the region, with regard to Greece, the Eastern Mediterranean, and the South Caucasus. Schmid expressed Germany's reliance on Trkiye to continue this constructive approach, particularly concerning Syria. He emphasized Trkiye's crucial role in reestablishing security and stability in Syria, given its proximity and influence.

Despite some political differences between the governments, Germany and Trkiye have developed a good working relationship and better dialogue on strategic issues, said Schmid, foreign affairs spokesman of the parliamentary group of the Social Democratic Party (SPD).

Germany is heading to early elections on Feb. 23, a critical vote that could reshape the political landscape of Europe's economic powerhouse. Recent polls show Chancellor Scholz's SPD at 16%, trailing behind the center-right Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU) at 29%. Analysts expect the CDU/CSU bloc to seek a coalition government with the SPD to form a stable administration, as they are unlikely to win a parliamentary majority.

Schmid mentioned Syria as an area where Berlin and Ankara will closely cooperate, aiming to support stability, security, and economic recovery that could enable the voluntary return of Syrian refugees. He suggested considering the abolition of certain sanctions to facilitate Syria's swift economic recovery and reconstruction. He stressed the importance of consulting international allies, urging the EU to act collectively with Great Britain and the US.

The veteran Social Democrat also expressed hope for accelerating the strategic political dialogue between the EU and Trkiye in the coming years. He highlighted the significance of implementing the EU-Trkiye action plan, acknowledging it as a notable achievement of German foreign policy to have found consensus among European partners to engage more intensively with the Turkish government.