Erdoğan Calls on Europe to Strengthen Defense Cooperation

Turkish President Erdoğan says Europe's shifting security landscape requires addressing defense supply issues and enhancing cooperation through joint projects, during a press conference with German Chancellor Merz in Ankara.

"In light of changing security conditions in Europe, we need to move past the difficulties previously encountered in the supply of defense industry products and focus on joint projects," Erdoğan said, The Caspian Post reports citing Turkish media.

Emphasizing that Ankara welcomed Berlin’s recent positive steps in this field, such as the procurement process of Eurofighter aircraft, Erdoğan noted that, given the momentum Türkiye has gained in the defense industry, there are extensive opportunities for cooperation with Germany.

He added that this collaboration could be further strengthened on a "win-win basis."

Erdoğan said Ankara could make rapid progress toward full EU membership if the bloc recognizes the country’s shown determination.

"If Türkiye’s determined stance on this issue receives the recognition it deserves within the bloc, significant progress could be achieved in a very short time," he said.

If Türkiye is assessed by the Copenhagen Criteria, Ankara has its own "Ankara Criteria," which guide its engagement with Europe and world, he added.

“As of now, we feel comfortable and at ease regarding these approaches in Türkiye. We have always maintained that the Copenhagen Criteria do not represent a negative process for us.

"Through the Ankara Criteria, we open ourselves to Europe and the world. Türkiye is not an ordinary European or Asian country, it is a democracy that effectively implements this process across Europe, Asia, and globally, and there is no issue on this matter," he further said.

Expressing his happiness hosting Merz and his delegation in Türkiye, Erdoğan said that the meeting had addressed bilateral ties and global issues on a common ground as "two close NATO allies."

Considering the developments in our region and the world, I believe the strategic importance of Türkiye-EU relations will become better understood," he further added.

Stating that today marks the 64th anniversary of the Labor Agreement signed by Türkiye and Germany, Erdoğan said that those who went to Germany 64 years ago significantly contributed to Germany's development in every field, and noted that their population today has grown to 3.5 million.

Erdoğan also said he reaffirmed that the Turkish community in Germany is "our shared value and richness."