Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday urged Germany to deepen cooperation in the defense industry, calling on both countries to prioritize joint projects as Europe’s security environment evolves.
Speaking alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at a press conference in Ankara, Erdogan said Turkey and Germany “have high potential in the defense industry” and should “leave behind problems in the procurement of defense industry products and focus on joint projects.”
Merz, making his first official visit to Turkey since taking office, said Berlin views Ankara as a “close partner of the European Union” and expressed a desire to strengthen economic and transport ties. “We want to continue smoothing the way to Europe,” Merz said, adding that the two leaders also discussed migration and plans to improve the repatriation of failed asylum seekers.
Analysts noted the visit came alongside Germany lifting its opposition to a planned sale of as many as 20 confirmed Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Turkey — a deal long blocked due to human-rights concerns and political differences. Sources indicate that Merz brought the Eurofighter package into focus, preparing to present Erdogan with the offer of 40 advanced jets, built by a consortium including Germany, the U.K., Spain and Italy.
A Blind Eye
However, the meeting also highlighted sharp differences over the conflict in Gaza. Erdogan accused Germany of turning a blind eye to what he described as Israel’s “genocide,” famine, and attacks against Palestinians.
“Does Germany not see these?” Erdogan asked, adding that Israel possessed nuclear and other advanced weapons while “Hamas has none.” He said it was the “humanitarian duty” of Turkey, Germany, and other nations to help end “the massacres and famine in Gaza.”
The talks in Ankara underscored both the opportunities and strains in Turkish-German relations — from shared defense ambitions to diverging approaches on Middle East policy — as the two NATO allies navigate shifting global and regional challenges.