German Chancellor Merz to visit Türkiye for talks with President Erdogan

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will travel to Ankara next Thursday for his inaugural official visit to Türkiye, where he will confer with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing pressing international concerns. The October 30 meeting marks Chancellor Merz's first diplomatic engagement with the Turkish leader since assuming Germany's leadership.

Comprehensive Bilateral Agenda

German Deputy Government Spokesman Sebastian Hille outlined the extensive agenda during a Berlin press conference on Friday, indicating the leaders will explore enhanced cooperation across multiple sectors. "The discussions will include bilateral and foreign policy issues, as well as closer cooperation in the areas of the economy, migration, and security," Hille stated, emphasizing the multidimensional nature of German-Turkish relations.

Strategic NATO Partnership

Hille specifically highlighted Türkiye's significance as "an important NATO ally," noting the two nations share numerous common interests requiring consultation. The spokesman identified foreign policy coordination, migration management, energy security, and trade relations as particularly relevant topics for discussion, reflecting the strategic depth of the German-Turkish partnership within the Atlantic alliance framework.

Regional and Global Context

The chancellor's visit occurs amid evolving European security dynamics and ongoing international efforts to address multiple regional crises. The meeting provides an opportunity to align German and Turkish perspectives on critical issues including the Gaza ceasefire implementation, Black Sea security, and broader Euro-Atlantic cooperation, underscoring Ankara's continued importance in Germany's foreign policy calculus.