Germany: ‘Turkey is important partner for us, Europe’

By Ayhan Simsek

BERLIN (AA) - Turkey is an important partner for Germany and Europe, Chancellor Angela Merkel’s spokesman said on Wednesday.

Speaking at a news conference in Berlin, Steffen Seibert said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to Germany on Sep. 27-29 would be an opportunity to discuss issues of common interest as well as differences.

“Turkey is an important partner for us, it is also an important partner for Europe,” Seibert said.

“It is in our fundamental interest to have an economically and politically stable Turkey, in which democracy is fully exercised,” he added.

Seibert said Merkel and Erdogan would discuss bilateral issues and regional developments during their meetings on Friday and Saturday.

President Erdogan will arrive in Berlin on Thursday for a three-day state visit aiming to improve political and economic relations between the two countries.

Relations between Ankara and Berlin suffered several setbacks in past years, but both sides have taken steps in recent months towards improving ties.

Erdogan will be accompanied by key ministers during the visit, including ministers responsible for economy, finance, trade and industry.

EU heavyweight Germany remains Turkey’s main economic and trade partner. In 2017, the bilateral trade volume reached €37.6 billion ($43.6 billion).