Scholz, Erdogan discuss situation in Ukraine, Türkiye’s readiness to accept refugees from Lebanon

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has stated that Berlin and Ankara are making efforts to explore ways to resolve the conflict in Ukraine.

He made these remarks during a joint press conference with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media. 

The German chancellor asserted that both Germany and Türkiye stand with Ukraine.

“At the same time, we are working to explore ways for this war not to continue,” he said.

Scholz also noted that Berlin and Ankara are reportedly united in their belief that NATO must act decisively and cohesively in response to the conflict in Ukraine. 

Earlier, La Repubblica newspaper wrote that the German chancellor, along with his party members, is working on a peace plan for Ukraine, referred to as "Minsk-3".

After welcoming German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Istanbul for discussions, President Erdogan stated that Türkiye is "open" to accepting refugees from Lebanon.  

During their meeting at Dolmabahce Palace on October 19, Erdogan noted that Türkiye has taken in millions of refugees fleeing the civil war in neighboring Syria since 2011, with approximately 3.2 million officially registered by 2023, along with many unregistered. 

However, Erdogan's administration has recently deported over 50,000 Syrian refugees due to domestic tensions and economic impacts. Additionally, he mentioned that more than 600,000 have returned to Syria "voluntarily."  

Despite these challenges, Erdogan emphasized Türkiye's readiness to welcome refugees from Lebanon amid the ongoing Israeli military operations there. 

"We have kept our doors open to those coming to our country from Lebanon during this time of conflict," he stated.

By Naila Huseynova