Berlin: Trkiye is a long-standing and reliable NATO ally and should be included in the EU's new defense programs, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Friday. Speaking at a joint news conference with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan in Berlin, Wadephul said they view Trkiye as an important "geostrategic partner" and would like to turn a "new page" in relations.
According to Anadolu Agency, Wadephul emphasized the need to open the EU's SAFE program to Trkiye and the United Kingdom, citing their significance as NATO partners. The SAFE program, standing for Security Action for Europe, is a pound 150 billion ($173 billion) joint defense procurement initiative aimed at enhancing European defense capabilities. Wadephul affirmed that constructive talks are underway regarding this inclusion. The German government aims to elevate its bilateral relationship with Trkiye, particularly in terms of security, while ensuring that EU defense goals complement and strengthen NATO rather than replacing it.
On the topic of bilateral relations, Wadephul highlighted the deep historical and cultural bonds between Germany and Trkiye, noting that over 3 million Turks residing in Germany have become integral to German society. He stressed the importance of cooperation due to the new geopolitical realities that both countries face as NATO allies, which include shared tangible common interests. Additionally, he announced plans for Berlin and Ankara to revive their "strategic dialogue" mechanism at the foreign ministry level early next year.
In discussing EU-Trkiye relations, Wadephul reiterated Germany's support for closer cooperation and expressed Berlin's readiness to accelerate Trkiye's stalled EU membership process. Trkiye is considered a key partner in various areas, and Wadephul urged for stronger EU-Trkiye cooperation, offering Germany's role as a reliable and friendly partner if Trkiye decides to pursue EU membership. He encouraged the European Union to reach out to Trkiye to strengthen communication channels and emphasized the timely opportunity to turn a new page in relations.