German chancellor to visit Türkiye for strategic discussions

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is set to visit Türkiye next week for discussions with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul.

The meeting, scheduled for October 19, was confirmed by German government spokesperson Wolfgang Büchner during a press briefing, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The talks are expected to focus on key issues, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, and migration challenges. A press conference will follow the meeting.

Meanwhile, a recent poll reveals that nearly half of Germans believe Ukraine should consider ceding territory to the Russian Federation as a step towards achieving peace. The survey highlights growing public sentiment favouring a compromise to end the ongoing conflict.

In addition, the poll shows that an overwhelming majority of Germans want Chancellor Olaf Scholz to resume dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin, after a hiatus of nearly two years.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin has shown no inclination to engage in telephone discussions with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

“Putin is rejecting the path to peace and continues to send daily signals favouring war and destruction. Today, he is even unwilling to have a phone conversation with the German chancellor,” Baerbock remarked.

On October 11, the Turkish leader arrived in Belgrade for a High-Level Cooperation Council meeting with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. The leaders are expected to sign agreements aimed at enhancing bilateral trade, with the goal of reaching a trade volume of $5 billion. A Serbian-Turkish business forum is also planned during the visit.

By Tamilla Hasanova