What was discussed at the dinner in Berlin?

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s brief visit to Berlin had an agenda full of intense and tough messages. At the press conference with German Chancellor Scholz, President Erdoğan criticized Germany’s closeness and support for Israel, while Germany emphasized that Hamas is a terrorist organization and Israel has the right to defend itself.

The tension at the press conference was interpreted by the German media as “clear messages in front of everyone” and “Erdogan’s carrot and stick game with Scholz.”

After last night’s press conference, the two leaders had dinner at the Prime Minister’s building in Berlin. Unlike the press conference, during the two-hour dinner more moderate messages were given, mutual cooperation was discussed, and topics that could be worked on together were discussed.

According to the information received, the following topics were discussed at the dinner:

EUROFIGHTER-SIHA ISSUE: Turkey expressed its desire to work together with Germany in the defense industry and especially in armor technologies. Erdoğan stressed that they want to buy 40 Eurofighter combat aircraft and that approval from Germany is awaited for this. In return, he emphasized that Turkey could provide unmanned aerial vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles, thus providing mutual defense support as two NATO member countries. Scholz said they would evaluate this.

QUICK RETURN TO THE FUGITIVE TURKS: For two years now, the number of Turks entering Germany illegally has increased. Arrivals via the Balkan route have accelerated in recent months and Turks have been the first to escape to Germany. Prime Minister Scholz recalled this during the dinner and asked for Turkey’s help in the quick deportation of those who were denied asylum. The two leaders agreed on a “faster mechanism.” The Ministries of the Interior have been authorized in this regard.

READMISSION AGREEMENT: Among migrants arriving through Turkey, such as Syrians, Afghans and Iraqis, those whose asylum is rejected will be sent to Turkey more quickly. The implementation of this agreement will also be accelerated. Germany, on the other hand, will select and recruit suitable and qualified Turkish immigrants. As long as the readmission agreement continues, Türkiye will continue to detain immigrants.

FAST AND EASY VISA, EU MEMBERSHIP: During the two-hour dinner, Erdoğan demanded that EU visa applications be made easier for Turkish citizens and that visa liberalization be introduced soon. He also highlighted that Turkey’s EU accession process has been excessively prolonged and that Germany’s support is important in this regard. Scholz stated that he would do what is necessary regarding visa facilitation and that he would discuss other issues with the EU.

GERMAN IMAMS IN TURKISH MOSQUES: At the dinner it was decided to gradually end the recruitment of imams from Turkey to the Turkish-Islamic Union of Religious Affairs (DİTİB). Germany will focus on the training of imams and “German imams” will be trained. Imams of German or foreign origin who are German citizens will start working in Turkish mosques.

APPROVAL TO SWEDEN – CUSTOMS UNION: Prime Minister Scholz called for a new call to end the attacks and the Russian occupation of Ukraine and for efforts to be made in this direction. Scholz also stressed that they are waiting for Sweden’s accession to NATO to be approved. The development and increase of trade between the two countries and the updating of the Customs Union agreement were also discussed.

EARTHQUAKE ASSISTANCE, EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS: During the dinner, Prime Minister Scholz once again expressed his condolences for the earthquake that struck Turkey. Scholz said that he will support this issue and provide financial support to rebuild educational institutions that were destroyed or damaged in the earthquake.

THERE MUST BE PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST: Although the two leaders had different views on the Israeli-Palestinian war, they wanted peace to be achieved in a short time. The humanitarian situation in Gaza, the release of Hamas hostages and concerns about regional tension were discussed during the meeting. Scholz stressed his solidarity with Israel and condemned Hamas’ terrorist attacks.

STRICT SECURITY MEASURES

The meal lasted about two hours. The Berlin police sent a message at 22:03 German time, announcing that the guest had left Berlin and that security measures had been lifted. During Erdoğan’s visit, where protocol and security number 1 were implemented, 2,800 people, including 1,500 police officers, provided security along with various units.