Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) shakes hands with visiting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Ankara, Türkiye, Oct. 30, 2025. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua)
ANKARA, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Türkiye and Germany should focus on joint defense projects and move past previous procurement challenges in light of Europe's changing security environment, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday.
"In light of the changing security conditions in Europe, we must leave behind the difficulties in the supply of defense industry products and focus on joint projects," Erdogan said at a joint press conference with visiting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the capital Ankara.
Erdogan noted that Türkiye welcomes Germany's recent constructive steps in the process of Türkiye's procurement of Eurofighter jets. "Considering Türkiye's progress in defense, it is clear that we have broad areas of cooperation with Germany. We can further strengthen this partnership," he added.
In July, Germany lifted its veto on the sale of Eurofighter jets to Türkiye after years of opposition.
Highlighting economic ties, Erdogan noted that Germany remains Türkiye's largest trade partner in Europe, with trade volume already reaching 50 billion U.S. dollars and ambitions to increase it to 60 billion dollars in the near term.
On the Gaza conflict, Erdogan emphasized that a two-state solution is the key to lasting peace in the region.
The German chancellor said that Germany would pursue closer cooperation with Türkiye on security policy, describing Türkiye as "a highly significant actor" in all foreign and security issues affecting Germany.
Merz welcomed the sale of Eurofighter jets to Türkiye, saying, "These planes will serve our common security."
He stressed that Turkish and German societies and economies are deeply interconnected and called for strengthened strategic partnerships.
On Gaza, Merz said that Germany hopes Türkiye will use its influence to help disarm Hamas and stabilize the situation in Gaza. ■