German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to visit Türkiye for talks with President Erdogan
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz gives a speech on October 9, 2024 in Leipzig, eastern Germany, during an event to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Peaceful Revolution in the former German Democratic Republic (GDR, DDR). (Photo by Sebastian Kahnert / POOL / AFP)
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is set to visit Türkiye on Oct. 19 to hold talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, German officials announced on Friday. The escalating conflict in the Middle East, migration issues and the ongoing war in Ukraine are expected to dominate the discussions.
Key topics on agenda
The meeting, which will take place in Istanbul, will focus on several critical global and bilateral issues, according to German government spokesperson Wolfgang Buechner.
“The war in Ukraine will be the subject of the talks, as will the situation in the Middle East. Migration and bilateral and economic policy issues will also be on the agenda,” Buechner said during a media briefing in Berlin.
Addressing Middle East tensions
The visit comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, with both leaders expected to discuss the potential consequences of the ongoing conflict in the region. Türkiye’s strategic role in regional diplomacy and its stance on migration are likely to be key points of discussion.
Migration and economic relations
Migration, a critical issue affecting both countries, will also be high on the agenda. Scholz and Erdogan are expected to explore ways to manage the ongoing refugee crisis, especially in the context of Türkiye’s role as a transit country. Bilateral trade and economic cooperation between Germany and Türkiye are also set to be discussed.
The talks will conclude with a joint press conference, offering insights into the outcomes of the discussions.
