On Steinmeier’s third day in Turkey, differences became clear. The meeting with President Erdogan also discussed the Gaza Strip and different positions. At least they both agreed on the kebab.
Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had a lot to discuss: It was only after almost two hours that they came to the final press conference. Both praised extensively the decades-long economic, cultural, family and friendly ties between Germans and Turks. Erdogan also highlighted and thanked the help of the Germans after the earthquake in 2023. So – no problems?
Problems in the Gaza issue
Oh well. At the end of each of their press statements, the two presidents addressed their differences. They became particularly clear in the respective consideration of the conflicts in Gaza. President Erdogan called it a “crime against humanity” and said he had repeatedly called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to “stop the unprecedented cruelty.”
Erdogan credited Turkey (and himself) with a “conscientious, determined and courageous demeanor.” However, the Turkish president did not mention Hamas and its brutal attack on October 7, 2023.
The German perspective
Steinmeier, in turn, referred to the German perspective: “Without October 7th there would be no war,” said the Federal President. Hamas murdered 1,200 people and took many hostages during its attack.
Speaking of Hamas: Erdogan calls it a “liberation organization” and warmly welcomed Hamas foreign chief Ismail Hanija in Istanbul at the weekend and promised support. For the EU, however, Hamas is a terrorist organization. You can’t be further apart.
Nevertheless, Steinmeier found something in common here too: everyone agreed that the humanitarian situation of the people in the Gaza Strip needed to be improved. They want to prevent the situation in the Middle East from escalating into a conflagration. The relationship would have to be used so that the Israeli hostages would be released.
The price for better economic Relationships
Erdogan has repeatedly called for improvements in the issuing of visas for Turkish citizens over the years, and he would also like to further strengthen economic exchange. Germany has a tangible interest in this, said Steinmeier.
But the conditions for this are legal certainty, the rule of law and respect for human rights. That is clear. But here too, the Federal President managed to mitigate the harshness: we could make progress, the people in Turkey wanted that, they were European-oriented.
Doner kebab – also in Presidential Palace
At the end there was also a brief discussion about the kebab from Berlin that Steinmeier had served at a reception at the Tarabya Cultural Academy. This souvenir was not received positively by everyone – in some cases it was even harshly criticized.
Steinmeier at the beginning of his trip to Turkey with the Berlin restaurateur Arif Keles at a reception.
Steinmeier, on the other hand, listed the people who were part of his delegation and who “helped shape the new Germany”: Bundestag Vice President Aydan Özoguz, the author Dincer Gücyeter, the actor Adnan Maral, the Hanover mayor Belit Onay and the Bundestag member Serap Güler.
The kebab from restaurateur Arif Keles is part of this variety, said the Federal President. “I hope this is understood.” Erdogan seems to have understood: he also had kebab served as a farewell.
There was also kebab again to say goodbye. This time in the presidential palace – served at lunch with Erdogan.