Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz discussed bilateral issues and opportunities for cooperation in Istanbul on Saturday, but could not reach agreement regarding their positions towards Israel, reported the Associated Press.
During an otherwise cordial press conference following their meeting, Erdogan had very harsh words for Israel and its Western backers.
Erdogan said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wanted to expand the war. “The death of so many leaders is practically a pleasure for them. And the West is jumping for joy“, noted the Turkish president.
Scholz, for his part, defended Israel's right to self-defense and clearly distanced himself from Erdogan's position that the war in Gaza is genocide. The German chancellor drew attention to Berlin's support for humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, for a two-state solution to the conflict, and for a ceasefire.
„But I also want to say the following: Germany does not believe…that the charge of genocide is justified,” Scholz said, quoted by AP. He expressed compassion for the dead civilians, including children, but emphasized that genocide was a “legal issue”.
Despite their differences in views on Israel, Scholz and Erdogan maintained a friendly tone when appearing before reporters, AP notes. The meeting took place at a time when each of the parties needs help from the other, the agency states.
One of the main highlights of Turkey is the purchase of weapons from Europe, in particular the “Eurofighter Typhoon“ (Eurofighter Typhoon). Scholz hinted that there will be some development in this regard.
„Turkey is a member of NATO and therefore we always make decisions that include specific supplies,” he said. “This is a natural thing and we have also made such decisions recently and they will be transmitted,” he said, quoted by AP.
Shortly before Scholz's visit to Turkey, which is the second since he became chancellor about three years ago, the German government announced that it was once again allowing arms exports to Turkey on a larger scale, DPA reported.
Until October 13 this year, 69 permits worth EUR 103 million were issued. This includes weapons worth €840,000.
Until the failed military coup in Turkey in 2016 and the invasion of northern Syria, the German government had approved large-scale arms exports to Turkey, but then significantly reduced them, AP recalls.
As Turkey focuses on the defense deal, Scholz is seeking Turkey's help in deporting more rejected asylum seekers and migrants to Turkey.
Nearly 16,000 Turkish citizens in Germany were asked to leave the country at the end of September. The government in Berlin is also seeking to deport criminals back to Afghanistan and Syria and is seeking the help of Turkey and other partners to do so, AP notes.