08.07.2026 19:51
At the NATO summit in Ankara, President Erdoğan held a bilateral meeting with German Chancellor Merz. It was learned that Erdoğan told Merz that Turkey could support the EU's defense initiatives on the condition that they complement NATO.
President Erdoğan, in his meeting with German Chancellor Merz, stated that Turkey can support EU defense initiatives provided they are complementary to NATO. Bilateral cooperation and global issues were discussed.
"CONDITIONAL SUPPORT FOR EU DEFENSE INITIATIVES"
In a statement from the Communications Directorate, it was stated, "Our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, received German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who is in Ankara for the NATO Leaders Summit, on the margins of the NATO Ankara Summit. During the reception, Turkey-Germany bilateral relations, as well as regional and global issues, were discussed. President Erdoğan expressed that advancing cooperation between Turkey and Germany in many areas, especially in the defense industry and trade, is beneficial for both countries. While noting the importance of preserving the Transatlantic bond in strengthening NATO's European pillar, our President emphasized that Turkey can support the European Union's (EU) defense initiatives, provided they are complementary to NATO."
"CAUTION MUST BE EXERCISED AGAINST PROVOCATIONS THAT MAY UNDERMINE THE IRAN-US AGREEMENT"
The statement further said, "President Erdoğan expressed that caution must be exercised against actions and provocations that may undermine the agreement between Iran and the US, and that Turkey will continue to work for lasting peace. President Erdoğan also invited German Chancellor Merz to the COP31 Leaders Summit to be held in Antalya in November."