President Erdogan to meet German President Steinmeier in Ankara on Feb. 5

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Feb. 5 for a high-level discussion on regional security and diplomatic cooperation.

Key topics on the agenda include Syria, the Gaza cease-fire process, and Türkiye’s request for Eurofighter Typhoon jets.

Steinmeier’s regional tour prior to Türkiye visit

Steinmeier’s visit to Türkiye is part of a broader regional tour, which has included stops in Saudi Arabia and Jordan.

• In Saudi Arabia, he met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss regional security, economic ties, and energy cooperation.
• In Jordan, he visited the Al-Azraq airbase, where German troops are stationed, and held talks with King Abdullah II.

Türkiye represents the final and most critical leg of his trip, given its strategic influence in Syria and the Middle East.

Key issues on agenda in Ankara

During his meeting with Erdogan, Steinmeier is expected to discuss:

• Türkiye’s role in Syria and regional stability
• Iran’s influence in the Middle East
• The Gaza cease-fire process and humanitarian aid efforts
• Germany’s military and defense cooperation with Türkiye, including Ankara’s request for Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets
• Germany’s support for Israel during the Gaza conflict and its impact on Berlin’s relations with Arab nations

Türkiye’s growing role in regional security and its diplomatic engagements with both Western and Middle Eastern countries have made its partnership increasingly significant for Germany.

Türkiye and Germany share strong economic and political ties, as well as a deep NATO partnership. However, recent developments, including Germany’s position on the Israel-Gaza conflict, have raised diplomatic sensitivities.

Germany‘s approval of Eurofighter Typhoon jets for Türkiye remains a key issue, as Türkiye seeks to enhance its air force capabilities amid ongoing security concerns in the region.