FRANKFURT: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has extended an invitation to newly re-elected Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to visit Berlin, according to a statement released by the German government on Monday.
Following Erdogan’s historic victory in the run-off election on Sunday, Chancellor Scholz had a conversation with the Turkish leader, emphasizing the strong ties between Germany and Turkey, particularly as allies in NATO.
The statement mentioned that both leaders agreed to approach their governments’ cooperation with renewed vigor and to identify common priorities. Chancellor Scholz also extended an invitation for Erdogan to make an inaugural visit to Berlin.
The statement highlighted several areas of collaboration that they intend to work on together, including promoting positive developments in the Eastern Mediterranean, addressing pending decisions within NATO, and discussing Turkey’s relationship with the European Union.
Erdogan’s Role in Global Diplomacy
Observers anticipate Erdogan to continue playing a diplomatic role in bridging relations between Russia and Western partners for the benefit of Turkey. Despite the Kremlin’s conflict with Ukraine, Erdogan’s personal relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin has endured.
Additionally, NATO members eagerly await Ankara’s approval of Sweden’s bid to join the US-led defense alliance, as Erdogan has previously blocked the application, citing alleged connections between Turkish opposition figures in Sweden and banned Kurdish militants.
