Turkish FM Fidan Calls for Strengthening Türkiye–Germany Ties, Urges Progress in EU Accession Talks

Berlin, The Gulf Observer: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Friday that Türkiye and Germany are prepared to further enhance their cooperation, underscoring that bilateral ties rest on “strong foundations” and have recently gained “new momentum.” He emphasized a shared political will to advance relations between the two countries and reinvigorate Türkiye–EU engagement.

Speaking at a joint press conference in Berlin with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul during his official visit, Fidan said, “There is a very strong will to take Türkiye–Germany relations, as well as Türkiye–EU relations, even further in these uncertain and crisis-driven times. As foreign ministers, we are carrying out the necessary planning and coordination.”

Fidan noted that recent high-level visits from Germany—including by Wadephul and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz—reflect the “new spirit” energizing the bilateral partnership. He announced that the next meeting of the Türkiye–Germany Strategic Dialogue Mechanism will be held in the first half of 2026.

Expanding Economic Partnership

Highlighting Germany’s role as Türkiye’s top export market in Europe and its largest export destination globally, Fidan said the bilateral trade volume is rising from $50 billion toward $60 billion. He added that both sides are committed to boosting mutual investments.

The upcoming meeting of the Joint Economic and Trade Committee, expected in the first half of next year, along with the energy and mining forum, is set to further advance economic ties. Fidan also pointed to significant cooperation potential in emerging fields such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence, high technology and digitalization.

He praised the contributions of the Turkish community in Germany across sectors including the economy, science, arts and sports, calling their achievements “a source of pride for both Türkiye and Germany.”

Fidan said he would also meet business leaders and civil society representatives during his visit.

Türkiye–EU Relations: Call for Reviving Accession Process

Fidan said Türkiye–EU relations would feature prominently in his talks, reiterating that Ankara supports a criteria-based accession process.

“Türkiye has no problem—nor can it have one—regarding criteria-based assessments in its EU accession process. This is the rule of the game,” he said. However, he stressed that the accession process has stalled, with no chapters being opened.

He added that Türkiye could rapidly meet many criteria if a practical and renewed EU accession perspective were presented. Fidan underlined President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s strong political will regarding Türkiye’s EU membership goal.

Key issues discussed included updating the Customs Union, visa liberalization, and challenges faced by Turkish citizens in obtaining Schengen visas. He urged the EU to address these obstacles, reaffirming that EU membership remains Türkiye’s strategic objective.

Fidan also highlighted the importance of including Türkiye in the EU’s new Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program, saying the country’s defense industry capabilities and military experience are essential for European security.

He said Türkiye wishes to participate constructively in the SAFE mechanism discussions, calling for “creative formats” of cooperation until full EU membership is realized.

“Türkiye is not seeking cooperation under SAFE just to serve as a market for defense products,” he said. “Our efforts reflect our aim to meet our own strategic security needs in cooperation with the EU.”

Shared Positions on Regional and Global Issues

Fidan said Türkiye and Germany hold similar views on many regional issues, including stability in the Balkans, peace in Ukraine, the situation in Gaza, stability in Syria, developments in the Caucasus, and cooperation in Africa.

On Ukraine, he stressed the need for a peace acceptable to both parties. He said Türkiye remains committed to facilitating dialogue, recalling past Istanbul negotiations and expressing readiness to host new rounds.

“Türkiye is ready to host Istanbul negotiations again. We support direct talks between the parties,” he said.

Peace in Gaza and Stability in Syria

Fidan underscored the urgent need to implement a peace plan for Gaza and ensure immediate humanitarian aid.

“We must not go back to destruction, genocide and massacre. There has already been more than enough devastation,” he said. He called for rapid steps toward stabilization and the formation of a peacekeeping mechanism.

On Syria, Fidan said its stability is crucial for regional and global security. He stressed the importance of supporting Syria’s economic recovery, ensuring its territorial integrity and eliminating threats such as Daesh.

Ceasefire Efforts in the Russia–Ukraine War

Fidan highlighted Türkiye’s continued support for diplomatic initiatives aimed at achieving a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. He said the recent Geneva talks offer a promising perspective, urging that negotiation channels must remain open “no matter how difficult the circumstances.”

Quoting President Erdoğan, he reiterated: “There is no winner in war and no loser in peace.”