Berlin: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced during a visit to Berlin that Trkiye and Germany are set to enhance their cooperation, emphasizing a shared political willingness to improve bilateral relations and invigorate Trkiye-EU relations. This statement was made at a joint press conference with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.
According to Anadolu Agency, Fidan highlighted the recent positive dynamics in Trkiye-Germany relations, citing visits to Trkiye by Wadephul and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. He revealed plans for the next Strategic Dialogue Mechanism meeting to occur in the first half of 2026.
Fidan also discussed economic ties, noting Germany as Trkiye’s primary export market in Europe and the leading global destination for Turkish exports. The bilateral trade volume is progressing from $50 billion towards $60 billion, and efforts are ongoing to boost mutual investments. He mentioned upcoming meetings of the Joint Economic and Trade Committee and the energy and mining forum as platforms to further economic ties, especially in fields like renewable energy, artificial intelligence, high technology, and digitalization.
The contributions of the Turkish community in Germany were acknowledged by Fidan, who highlighted their achievements across multiple sectors. His visit will also include meetings with businesspeople and civil society representatives in Germany.
Regarding Trkiye-EU relations, Fidan expressed that discussions with Wadephul would address Trkiye’s EU accession process. He emphasized that Trkiye has no issues with criteria-based assessments for EU membership but criticized the stagnant accession process. Fidan called for the EU to reopen accession chapters and expressed Trkiye’s readiness to meet the necessary criteria if a renewed EU accession perspective is provided.
Fidan addressed ongoing issues such as updating the Customs Union, visa liberalization, and Schengen visa difficulties for Turkish citizens. He reiterated that EU membership remains Trkiye’s strategic objective and that diplomatic efforts will continue. Positive messages were reportedly received from European counterparts, and European security issues were discussed in detail.
Discussing the SAFE mechanism and European security, Fidan noted NATO’s role in European security and the EU’s evolving security strategy, especially since the Ukraine war. He stressed Trkiye’s interest in participating in new security discussions and highlighted its defense industry capabilities. He called for creative solutions to ensure Trkiye’s inclusion in EU security mechanisms.
Fidan also addressed common regional and global interests, including stability in the Balkans, the importance of ending the Ukraine war, peace in Gaza, stability in Syria, and cooperation in Africa.
On the Russia-Ukraine war, Fidan recounted Trkiye’s hosting of Istanbul negotiations and its readiness to facilitate further talks. He welcomed recent Geneva discussions and emphasized the importance of maintaining the negotiation platform.
Regarding Gaza, Fidan underscored the need for a peace plan and immediate humanitarian aid. He emphasized the importance of stability in Syria for regional and global peace, advocating for economic recovery and territorial integrity in Syria.