Turkish premier hints at new era in German-Turkish ties

By Sinan Uslu

MUNICH (AA) - Turkish Premier Binali Yildirim has hinted at a new period of Turkey-Germany ties, which have seen ups and downs amid political tensions over months.

Speaking to reporters in Munich Friday, Yildirim said: “Some troubles that appeared in Turkey-German relations in the past seem to have been sorted out. We, from now on, would be taking steps to restore our relations and vice versa.”

Yildirim also met Chancellor Angela Merkel Thursday during his official visit to Germany.

"By doing this, of course, what we expect [from Germany] is to not tolerate terrorist groups posing threat to our country’s unity.”

Ties between Ankara and Berlin have been strained since the defeated coup of Turkey in 2016, as Turkish politicians heavily criticized their German counterparts for failing to show strong solidarity with Turkish government against the attempted military takeover.

Ankara slammed Berlin for granting asylum to several coup suspects, turning a blind eye to outlawed groups and terrorist organizations like the PKK and FETO, which use Germany as a platform for their fund-raising, recruitment and propaganda activities.

German politicians, on the other hand, voiced concern over press freedom and human rights issues, and criticized large-scale investigations into FETO, which orchestrated the defeated coup in Turkey.