German Foreign Minister Seeks Closer Ties with Turkey

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul emphasized Turkey's crucial role as a partner during his inaugural visit to Ankara, focusing on international crises and seeking cooperation rather than confrontation. Discussions centered on the situations in Gaza and Ukraine, with a noticeable absence of overt criticism regarding Turkey's domestic policies.

Key Points

Wadephul highlighted Turkey's unique access and influence in regions like Gaza and Ukraine, which Germany lacks.
He acknowledged Turkey's support for a ceasefire in Gaza and its influence on Hamas.
Both ministers expressed agreement on the need for a sustainable peace agreement and a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The ministers welcomed the announcement of a meeting between the US President and the Russian President, expressing hope for progress in resolving the conflict in Ukraine.
Wadephul subtly addressed concerns about democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Turkey, framing them as important EU conditions while emphasizing a desire for improved EU-Turkey relations.
Discussions included potential updates to the customs union and visa liberalization for Turkish citizens.

Background

The visit occurs against a backdrop of ongoing international crises and complex relations between the European Union and Turkey. Turkey's geopolitical significance has increased due to its strategic location and its ability to mediate in conflicts where other nations have limited access. The German government appears to be prioritizing cooperation with Turkey on key foreign policy objectives, particularly in de-escalating conflicts and seeking diplomatic solutions. This approach represents a potential shift from previous administrations, which were more vocal in their criticism of Turkey's human rights record.

Numbers & Facts

Johann Wadephul: German Foreign Minister who made his inaugural visit to Ankara on October 18, 2025.
Hakan Fidan: Turkish Foreign Minister.
Gaza, Ukraine, Syria: Regions of focus in discussions due to ongoing crises.
Ekrem Imamoglu: Mentioned as an example of the Turkish opposition facing legal challenges.
Friedrich Merz: German Chancellor scheduled to visit Turkey in October.

Assessment

Wadephul's visit signals a pragmatic approach to German-Turkish relations. By downplaying public criticism of Turkey's internal affairs, the German government seeks to foster cooperation on pressing international issues. This strategy benefits Germany by leveraging Turkey's unique diplomatic leverage in conflict zones. For Turkey, the visit offers an opportunity to strengthen ties with a major European power and potentially advance its agenda regarding EU membership, visa liberalization, and economic cooperation. However, human rights organizations and opposition groups within Turkey may view this approach as a tacit endorsement of the current government's policies. The visit is a calculated move to prioritize geopolitical interests over publicly addressing human rights concerns, a trade-off that could draw criticism from various quarters.

Outlook

The upcoming visit by Chancellor Merz further underscores the importance Germany places on its relationship with Turkey. The focus will likely remain on areas of mutual interest, such as security, trade, and migration, with continued efforts to manage differences on issues related to democracy and human rights. Progress on updating the customs union and visa liberalization remains uncertain but represents potential areas for future negotiation. The success of this approach will depend on the ability of both countries to maintain open communication and find common ground despite differing perspectives on certain issues.

Source: https://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/europa/wadephul-tuerkei-100.html