Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Istanbul to discuss the escalating conflict in the Middle East and defense industry cooperation. The two leaders also talked about a potential deal to supply Turkey with Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets, as both countries are members of NATO. Scholz expressed support for Turkey’s efforts regarding migration and refugees, particularly in light of the war in Syria. Turkey has taken in millions of Syrian refugees since 2011, but has also deported over 50,000 back to Syria recently due to domestic tensions and economic impact. Despite these challenges, Erdogan stated that Turkey’s doors remain open to refugees from Lebanon following Israel’s recent offensive in the region.
The conflict in Syria has led to a significant influx of refugees into Turkey, with the country hosting over 3.2 million registered Syrian refugees as of 2023. Erdogan’s government has also facilitated the return of over 600,000 refugees to Syria “voluntarily.” Despite the strain that Syrian refugees have put on Turkey’s resources and economy, Erdogan emphasized that the country is willing to continue supporting those fleeing conflict in the region. In the wake of Israel’s military operations in Lebanon, Erdogan’s government has maintained its policy of welcoming refugees from neighboring countries, signaling an ongoing commitment to assisting those in need.
Scholz underscored the importance of cooperation between Turkey and the EU in addressing the consequences of the war in Syria. He emphasized the need for progress in Turkish-EU relations, particularly in the context of migration and refugee issues. Turkey has been a key partner for the EU in managing migration flows from the Middle East and beyond, and Scholz’s remarks indicate a willingness to further strengthen this partnership. The recent meeting between Erdogan and Scholz highlights the shared interests and concerns of Turkey and Germany in addressing regional conflicts and migration challenges.
The potential deal to supply Turkey with Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets is another area of cooperation discussed during the meeting between Erdogan and Scholz. The two leaders explored opportunities for collaboration in the defense industry, with a focus on enhancing Turkey’s capabilities in the region. The Eurofighter Typhoon is a multi-role combat aircraft that could bolster Turkey’s air defense capabilities and contribute to regional stability. Turkish-German cooperation in defense industry matters has the potential to deepen bilateral relations and create new opportunities for partnership in the field of security.
Despite the challenges posed by the conflict in Syria and the ongoing migration crisis, Erdogan reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to supporting refugees from Lebanon in the wake of Israel’s offensive. Turkey’s open-door policy towards refugees reflects its humanitarian approach to addressing displacement and conflict in the region. In the context of the recent meeting with Scholz and discussions on potential defense industry cooperation, Turkey’s willingness to accommodate refugees from Lebanon further underscores its role as a key player in regional stability and humanitarian assistance. The ongoing dialogue between Turkey and Germany on these critical issues demonstrates a shared commitment to addressing challenges in the Middle East and beyond.
