German President and President Erdoğan make important statements after a meeting in Ankara, Turkey
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited Turkey and met with President Erdoğan to discuss bilateral relations, including defense cooperation and trade goals. Both presidents shared their views on various topics after the meeting as follows;
During a joint press conference, Erdoğan highlighted efforts to enhance defense ties, combat terrorism, and address the ongoing attacks in Gaza, stressing Turkey’s humanitarian aid efforts and desire for German support.
Steinmeier on the other hand, emphasized the historical ties between the two countries and discussed Turkey’s EU membership process, stressing the importance of press freedom and the rule of law. He also addressed the Gaza situation, expressing a desire for humanitarian relief and a political solution.
Erdoğan later responded to a question about Turkey’s trade relations with Israel, stating a shift away from intensive trade and highlighting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
ERDOGAN: “WE NO LONGER MAINTAIN INTENSIVE TRADE RELATIONS WITH ISRAEL”
Erdoğan responded to the question posed by a DW reporter, stating, “We no longer maintain intensive trade relations, that’s over.” He continued by saying, “Our Foreign Minister announced this recently. But I want you to know; unfortunately, the death toll in Israel’s attacks on Gaza has reached 45,000. We cannot ignore this figure. The number of wounded is 75,000. Some of the severely injured are still receiving treatment in our country. Unfortunately, there are severe scenes involving children, women, and the elderly in Gaza.”
“We need our German friends to see this. Gaza-Palestine has been completely devastated, everything is destroyed, in such a situation. Moreover, comparing the arms, ammunition, and equipment of Israel with Gaza is incomparable. One must evaluate by seeing these. Who is the entire West siding with? They are siding with Israel. Does Gaza have such an opportunity against Israel’s merciless attacks? No. We are currently making efforts and struggling in the hostage exchange process. We hope to succeed in this exchange.”
STEINMEIER: WE DON NOT SHARE IMPRESSION GERMANY’S SUPPORT CONTRIBUTES TO GENOCIDE
Steinmeier defended Germany’s support for Israel and emphasized legal defense against allegations of genocide.
Regarding Germany’s support for Israel amid its attacks on Gaza, the German President responded, “Regarding this matter, we do not share the impression that Germany’s support contributes to genocide. We are taking steps to defend our position in the international court with our legal experts.”
