German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will meet Turkish President Erdoğan in Istanbul to discuss Ukraine, migration, defense cooperation, and tensions over Gaza.
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| Scholz and Erdoğan's upcoming Istanbul meeting will address key issues like the Ukraine conflict, Eurofighter sales, and diverging views on Israel’s war in Gaza. Image Courtesy: AA |
Ankara, Turkiye - October 12, 2024:
The upcoming meeting between German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Istanbul carries significant geopolitical weight, reflecting the complexities of relations between Germany and Turkey against the backdrop of pressing international crises.
One major issue expected to dominate discussions is the war in Ukraine. Turkey, a key NATO member and a diplomatic bridge between the West and Russia, has played a critical role in mediating talks and securing agreements like the Black Sea grain deal. Germany, a staunch supporter of Ukraine in its fight against Russia, likely views Turkey as an important interlocutor on the conflict, especially as Turkey maintains relations with both Kyiv and Moscow.
Another area of potential friction is the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Erdoğan's vocal criticism of Israel and his framing of the Gaza conflict as "genocide" contrasts sharply with Germany's pro-Israel stance. Scholz, who has emphasized Germany's historical responsibility to support Israel, faces increasing public pressure at home due to the humanitarian situation in Gaza. This divergence highlights a deeper ideological split between the two nations, especially on Middle East policy.
Migration is another critical point on the agenda. Both countries face challenges related to migration flows, particularly from conflict zones in the Middle East. Turkey has long been a key partner for the European Union in controlling migration, especially since the 2016 EU-Turkey refugee deal. However, the broader strain of migration politics in Europe, coupled with domestic pressures in both Germany and Turkey, could complicate discussions on how to manage future migration effectively.
Additionally, defense cooperation may be a significant, though sensitive, issue. Ankara's interest in purchasing 40 Eurofighter jets from Germany signals Turkey's desire to enhance its military capabilities, but the sale remains politically fraught. The deal hinges on Berlin's approval, and while diplomatic sources suggest that Turkey is hopeful for a positive outcome, German officials have yet to comment officially. The sale of such high-tech military equipment to Turkey, which has had its own contentious military operations in Syria, could provoke debate within Germany and other EU members.
In essence, this meeting could be an attempt by both sides to navigate these shared challenges. While they hold differing positions on key international issues, both Germany and Turkey have overlapping strategic interests, particularly in areas such as migration, security, and regional stability. Whether they can find common ground or whether existing tensions will persist remains to be seen. The outcomes of this meeting will likely signal the future trajectory of German-Turkish relations amid these global crises.