Turkiye plays crucial role in establishing regional peace, says German president

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has said that his country shares a common interest with Turkiye and that Ankara is a key player in establishing peace in the region. Steinmeier made his comment during a joint press conference on Wednesday with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in the Turkish capital.

“We have a common interest with Turkiye, which is to establish lasting peace in the region,” said the German president. “Ankara is highly significant in this regard.”

Anadolu Agency reported that Steinmeier expressed deep concern about US President Donald Trump’s plan to relocate Palestinians. He described it as a source of great concern that cannot be accepted under international law.

The Middle East is going through a period of major developments, including the ceasefire agreements in Gaza and Lebanon, the exchange of prisoners, the end of Bashar Al-Assad’s rule in Syria, and the start of a new phase in the country, he pointed out. “Germany and Turkiye may have different perspectives on these events, but we share a mutual interest in achieving lasting peace in the region.”

Steinmeier stressed that the ceasefire in Gaza between Hamas and Israel, the release of prisoners and efforts to end the humanitarian crisis should pave the way for a more inclusive political process that involves all parties. “From now on, it is essential to establish a solid foundation for negotiations with the US administration. In Germany, we also support a two-state solution between Palestine and Israel.”

The German president said that he had discussed the situation in Syria with Erdogan and highlighted the importance of a comprehensive political process in Turkiye’s neighbour. He emphasised that coordination with all key international actors is crucial and that all ethnic groups should participate in stabilising Syria. Stability in Syria, he said, would create conditions for Syrian refugees currently in Turkiye and other countries to return home.

He also noted that 6 February marks the anniversary of the devastating earthquake that struck Kahramanmaras in eastern Turkiye and Syria in 2023. Expressing Germany’s solidarity with Turkiye, Steinmeier said that both the German government and many individuals continue to make efforts to assist those affected by the disaster. He then announced that Germany has decided to provide the first instalment of a €140 million reconstruction loan, which will be used to build earthquake-resistant schools in the affected areas.

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