Key partner for stability and security: Foreign Minister Wadephul travels to Turkey for first official visit
Germany Federal Foreign Office
17.10.2025 - Article
Foreign Minister Wadephul is travelling to Ankara for his first official visit, where he will meet his counterpart Hakan Fidan and other interlocutors. Turkey is a key NATO ally and plays a key role in promoting stability in the Middle East and the eastern Mediterranean.
Germany and Turkey enjoy very special relations, not only politically and economically, but also at an interpersonal level. More than three million people with Turkish roots live in Germany today, forming a living bond between the two countries. At the same time, Turkey is an important player in the region, a bridge between Europe and Asia and a crucial factor for stability in the Middle East and the eastern Mediterranean.
Discussions in Ankara will focus on developments in the Middle East and Syria, Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and the future of relations between the European Union and Turkey.
Focus on Gaza: humanitarian assistance and implementation of the 20-point plan
Following the release of the hostages held by Hamas for more than two years, the focus now is on improving the humanitarian situation and rebuilding Gaza. Germany and Turkey are working together to ensure that aid organisations are afforded rapid and safe access and that the measures agreed to in the 20-point plan are implemented. This is the only option for paving the long way to a negotiated two-state solution.
Prior to his departure, Foreign Minister Wadephul said the following:
Through its mediator role in the Middle East conflict, Turkey helped bring about the historic ceasefire for Gaza. As one of the supporters of the peace plan - and as a country which we expect to continue exerting pressure on Hamas - Turkey has a responsible role to play. With the release of the hostages and the ceasefire, much has been achieved that seemed impossible just a few weeks ago. However, the work on a safe and dignified future for people in Gaza has only just begun. Together, we are pressing for full access for the humanitarian actors in order to alleviate the worst hardship. Together we are working to ensure that the 20-point plan for lasting peace is implemented in its entirety.
NATO partner and bridge between geostrategic regions
Another focus of the talks in Ankara will be security cooperation with Turkey within NATO and closer ties with the EU on security issues. Thanks to its geostrategic location on the Black Sea, Turkey is a key pillar of the European security architecture and an indispensable partner within the Alliance.
Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine is posing major challenges for the entire Euro-Atlantic security order. Turkey has a special role to play in this regard - as a venue for talks between the warring parties and as guardian of the Montreux Convention regarding the Regime of the Straits, which governs the passage of ships, including on the Bosphorus.
The Bosphorus is not only an important trade route, but also a strategic hub. Russia is trying to use the strait to finance its war. Turkey has repeatedly refused to allow Russian warships passage and has held up uninsured ships belonging to its so-called "shadow fleet", which also pose environmental risks due to inadequate maintenance.
Foreign Minister Wadephul stated the following about this:
We regard Turkey as a key strategic partner within the NATO Alliance, which is why Russia - the greatest threat facing NATO - and Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine will be among the important issues on the agenda. Our shared goal is to ensure that this war is ended soon. To achieve that, we also have to dry up the revenue flowing into Russia's war coffers even more quickly.
Germany and Turkey are also pursuing the common goal of closer ties between the EU and Turkey in the long term. With regard to closer cooperation, it remains crucial that European fundamental rights - in particular human rights and the rule of law - be respected at all times. Foreign Minister Wadephul will also discuss this with his Turkish counterpart.
Syria, migration and humanitarian responsibility
Since the beginning of the Syrian civil war, Turkey has taken in more refugees than any other country. Germany is also home to a large Syrian community. Both countries share the goal of stabilising Syria in the long term in order to create lasting peace and facilitate the conditions for the voluntary and safe return of refugees.
It is clear that stability in Syria can only be achieved through a peaceful political transition in which all societal groups have their place.
Foreign Minister Wadephul stated the following in this regard:
After years of civil war, we are committed to a political transition in Syria in which all societal and religious groups have their place. Over the years, by far the greatest number of refugees from Syria have found refuge in Turkey. We are united in our aim of promoting a safe and stable Syria to facilitate their safe and voluntary return.
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